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NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 



SAVIOUR OF THE SWISS REPUBLIC. 



A DRAMATIC POEM, 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



JOHN CHRISTIAN SOHAAD. 

it 



WASHINGTON, D. C: 

McGILL & WITHEROW, PRINTERS AND STEREOTYPERS. 
1866. 



WbMB 



h 






Entered according to Act of Congress, by John Christian Schaad, in the Clerk's 
office of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, in the year of our Lord one 
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. 



fy Transfer 

&• c - Public library 



DEC 14 



TRAN 



PROFESSOR HENRY W. LONGFELLOW, 

IS EESPEOTFULLT INSOEIBED. 



PREFACE. 



The united efforts of the Swiss, and their success in repelling so 
formidable an invader of their country as Charles the Bold, have 
furnished subjects to numerous poetic effusions in English as well as 
in other languages. "Who has not read Byron's beautiful tribute to 
the Swiss in Childe Harold's pilgrimage ? 

"Morat! the proud, the patriot field! where man 
May gaze on ghastly trophies of the slain, 
Nor blush for those who conquer'd on that plain : 
Here Burgundy bequeathed his tombless host. 
***** 

Morat and Marathon, twin names shall stand ! 
They were true glory's stainless victories, 
Won by the unambitious heart and hand 
Of a proud, brotherly, and civic band, 
All unbought champions in no princely cause." 

The most beautiful episode in the history of Switzerland has 
however, to the author's knowledge, never been brought before the 
public, in a dramatic form. The greatest victory which the Swiss 
ever obtained, the victory over themselves, through the efforts of a 

5 



6 PEEFACE. 

pious, warm-hearted patriot, seems, thus far, not to have attracted 
the attention it deserves from poets. 

The author, a native of Switzerland, having had the opportunity, 
from his childhood, to devote considerable time to the study of his 
country's history, has chosen the incident, alluded to above, as a 
subject for a dramatic poem, with the purpose of showing to the 
citizens of Switzerland's great Sister Eepublic, on this side of the 
Atlantic, how, in times of internal dissensions amongst the constit- 
uents of the Swiss Confederacy, matters were brought to a peaceful 
issue to the satisfaction of all contending parties, preventing, thus, 
a civil war which would have brought ruin and desolation upon the 
country. 

The author also takes this opportunity to give expression to his 
feelings of gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for the ex- 
ceedingly interesting and valuable documents, furnished to him from 
the archives of different Cantons, and sent through the Swiss Con- 
sulate General in Washington, to assist him in bringing a glorious 
episode of the history of " Old Free Switzerland," in a new form, 
before the American public. 

Washington, D. C, December 1, 1865. 



Swtmrtte fawn*. 



Nicholas of the Flue, a hermit. 

Heney Im Geund, the pastor of Stanz,in the Canton of Unterwal- 

den. 
Aenolb, his brother, a peasant in Unterwalden. 

' ^Arnold's daughters. 
Lilt, J 

Aloys, his adopted son. 

Adeian von Bubenbebg, ex-Lord Provost of Berne. 

Julia, his daughter. 

Edwaed, his son. 

Rudolph, his page. 

Nicholas von Schaenachthal, Lord Provost of Berne. 

William, von Diessbach,] 






, ex-Lords Provost. 
Peteemann von Wabeen, 

budolph von eelach, ) 

_ ^Senators oi Berne. 

Peteemann von Stein, J 

Hanns Waldmann, of Zurich, commander-in-chief of the Swiss 

forces. 

John von Hallwyl, a nobleman of Berne. 

Caspae von Hebtenstein, of Lucerne. 

Louis, Count of Gruyeres. 

Hanns Imhof, 

Hanns Zumbeuni 

Raetzi, Landammann, "l 

DlETEICH InDEEHALDEN.J 

1 



lof Uri. 
nnenJ 

-of Schwytz. 



8 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Paul Ennentaoheb,~) „ tt 

^oi Unterwalden. 
Henby Zelgee, ) 

Hanns Landenbeeg, of Zurich. 

Ham's Tschudi, of Glaris. 

Hanns Iten, of Zug. 

Uleic von Hohensax, of Argovy. 

Petee Rot, of Basil. 

Jacob Bugniet, of Friburgh. 

Hanns von StaaiO 

vof Soleure, 
Hemmann Hagen, J 

Fostee, of Bienne. 

William Heetee, of Strasbtirgh 

Louis, Count of Oettingen. 

Oswald, Count of Thierstein. 

Rene op Anjou, Duke of Lorraine. 

Chaeles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. 

Anthony, his half-brother. 

Thomas, Duke of Somerset, 

William, Prince of Orange, 

Olivieb de la Maeche, 

Ceevecoeue, 

RuBEMPEE, 

Count Campobasso, 

Asteadamus, an astrologer 

A page. 

Senators of Berne ; bannerets of the eight Cantons ; two sergeants-at- 

arms ; a chancellor and two secretaries of the Senate of Berne; 

three priests of the Minster of St. Vincent ; women, children, . 

and old men of Berne ; soldiers of the Swiss Confederacy and 

their allies ; peasants and herdsmen of Unterwalden. 

TIME: 

Feom A. D. 1476 to 1482. 



Officers of Charles. 



ACT I. 



SCENE I. 

The orchestra plays the air of the Switzer's Farewell. Whilst the 
last sounds are lingering, the curtain slowly rises and presents to the 
eye a landscape scene in the Canton of Unterwalden, not far from 
the frontiers of the territory of Berne. In the foreground is a 
substantial rustic dwelling house, with open windows. The inscrip- 
tion, " Deo soli gloria," is painted in large letters above the door. 
A flower garden is behind the house, from which gradually rises a 
hill, covered with pine trees. In the distance are seen a few peaks 
of the Bernese Alps, glowing in the light of the rising sun. 

Aloys is standing on the summit of the hill, and plays the last 
strains of the Switzer's Farewell on the Alpine horn. He then de- 
scends. When he arrives before the house, the church bell in the 
distance rings the Angelus. Aloys kneels down with head uncovered. 
The orchestra plays a slow and plaintive symphony. 

Mary, (sings within the house.) 
Ave Maria ! 
Queen of my soul ! 
Mother of mercy, 
Mother of God, 
"Full of His graces, 



10 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Here in the morning, 
Call we on thee. 
Pray for ub sinners, 
Now and when dying ! 
Ave Maria : 
Queen of my soul ! 

(Aloys arises; Mary appears at the door.) 

Aloys. Exalted be the name of Jesus Christ. 
Mary. Forever more, amen I 1 

(Both remain silent and appear lost in contemplation of the scene 
in the distance.) 

Aloys. How beautiful! 

The morning sun is greeting here the land, 
As one to which he loves to show himself 
At first. The Finsteraarhorn's pointed peak, 
The Youngfrau, lofty, grand, majestic, like 
A virgin queen — reflect his earliest beams 
On adamantine crystal brows, as if 
The land of freedom were most dear to him. 

Mary. Yes, beautiful is this, our native land, 
And worthy to be loved by all that are 
Allowed to dwell within its happy bounds; 
It seems to be Jehovah's favoured child. 

Aloys. With bounteous hand He hath bestowed 
on us 
The choicest blessings — Liberty, and strength 
Of arm to wield the mighty sword in her 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 11 

Defence. What glorious lore is taught to all 

The world by Switzerland ! What heroes' names 

Presents her history to be embalmed 

Forever in the mem'ry of her child ! 

The names of Tell, of Melchthal, Winkelried, 

Of d'Erlach, Bubenberg, and Scharnachthal. 

Mary. Alas ! I fear we may become too proud, 
And thus upon us bring the wrath of Him 
Who giveth grace to humble worth. I fear 
We may forget that all the blessings we 
Enjoy, the victories our fathers' arms, 
And we ourselves, have won on battle-fields, 
Were naught but God Almighty's gracious boon 
To humble praying granted in distress. 

Aloys. 'Tis true; this fear I often feel myself, 
Not here — for these, our peaceful valleys, where 
Simplicity and frugal life have dwelt 
For ages, where the peasant's honest heart 
And sound, judicious sense ignores the great 
Temptations, crimes, corruption, found in proud 
And haughty cities, joined to Uri, Schwytz 
And Unterwalden's league. 

Mary. Methinks, my friend 

Is most severe on allies who have brought 
Much honor to our land. Dost thou forget 
That d'Erlach, Bubenberg, and Scharnachthal 
Are lords of noble Berne ? Have they not fought 
At Unterwalden's side on Gran son's day? 



12 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Aloys. Excuse my speech ! At TJnterwal den's side 
They did not fight, but she at their's, to help 
That lordly Berne against the host, arrayed 
By Charles the Bold to crush the haughty town. 

Mary. Be not unjust ! That Berne is proud, I 
grant, 
But haughty — no ! Remember all her past : 
Alone she stood against the Habsburgh's host, 
Against the nobles all at Donnerbuehl 2 
And Laupen's bloody field, 3 where d'Erlachs twice 
Defeated Freedom's foes. 

Aloys. Was Berne, the proud, 

On Sempach's sacred ground ? Hath she a name 
Like — Winkelried ? 

, Mary. Beware ! Dost thou pronounce 

This hallowed name with rev'rence due ? Dost thou 
Recall to mind to whom our fathers prayed 
On that immortal day, before they rushed 
Upon the Austrian host ? 

Aloys. I do, but still 

I love to hear thy lips repeat the words 
By pray'r addressed to Him, on whom we look, 
"With holy awe and gratitude profound, 
As on our nation's Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Mary. Oh, may the words until the end of time 
Be graved in every Switzer's heart, and thus 
Proclaim to nations all, that Freedom's home 
Is Christian land, and ever must be so ! 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 13 

(Aenold Im Grund appears, unobserved by Maet and Aloys. 
He listens with profound attention.) 

Mary. ( With eyes uplifted, and with great emotion.) 

Oh, Bounteous Christ in Heaven ! 

By Thy most awful death, 

"We, miserable sinners, 

In peril and distress, 

Beseech Thee in our anguish 

To stand at our side ! 

Assist us in preserving 

A shield for our land ! 

Protection to our people 

Oh, Christ, in mercy grant. ( Weeps.) 
Arnold. [Coming forward.) My child,thou speakest 

well. The Switzer's firm 
Belief shall ever be that his extolled 
Redeemer heard the humble band before 
Whom haughty Austria fell. The standard high, 
The Switzer's banner bears the Christian sign — 
The Cross. And this is Christian soil. No man 
That feels ashamed to wear that honored sign 
Here on his breast and on his arm, is fit 
To be a citizen in Switzerland. 
Lily. (Dressed in white with a blue ribbon around her 
waist, comes out of the house.) 
Good morrow, father ! darling Mary, come — 

2 



14 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Give me my morning kiss ! "What now, my own 
Beloved sister weeps 1 

Mary. [Pressing Lily to her heart) Be silent, child ! 
I weep the tears of joy to be, alike 
Thyself a Switzer's daughter, freed by Christ's 
Most glorious sign. 

Aloys. ( With enthusiasm.) "What might,in earth or 
hell, 
"Will stand against the Ckoss ! 

Lily. Oh, Mary dear, 

Shall I not tell what lovely dream I had, 
Before I did awake this morning ? 

Mary. Tell, 

Sweet child, thy dream ! 

Lily. Methought I saw above 

The snowy mountain yonder — what's its name ? 

Aloys. The Youngfrau, child. 

Lily. The Holy Virgin stand, 

With arms outspread, as if to bless the vales 
Beneath. Oh, beautiful she looked amidst 
A host of angels lovely ! 

Mary. (Embracing Lily.) Child, dear child, 
To such like thee, the blessed Heavenly Queen 
Does love to show herself in slumbers sweet. 

Lily. And then I saw above her head, with stars 
Adorned as with a crown — a brilliant Ckoss, 
As white as snow, in sunbeams' shine, and on 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 15 

The Cross I read the words, in letters great : 
" In this eternal peace with God is found !" 

Arnold. [After deep reflection.) To children God 
reveals the greatest truth 
On earth. 

Aloys. I think,that most of all the gifts 
With which He blest our land, are due to this 
Our child-like simple faith and trust in Him 
"Whose majesty our native Alps reflect. 

Arnold. Yes ! earnest souls and serious minds are; 
formed 
Midst scenes where nature shows, how great is God s 
And man — how little ! 

Mary. Still, how noble, great,. 

In such as Winkelried ! 

Lily. Oh, father dear ! 

Didst thou not promise me to tell me once 
What great grandfather said about the field 
Of battle, many years ago ? 

Arnold. I did 

And think no better time is there than- now, 
This beauteous Sunday morn. The bell hath not 
Yet called for Holy Mass. Come here, my child ! 

(Me takes a seat on a large bench before the house. Lily leans on. 
his knees. Mary sits at her father's side- Aloys is standing- 
on the foreground. All listen with profound attention.) 

'Twas ninety years ago, the ancient hate 

Of Austria's Duke, against our land, was stirred 



16 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 

Anew by some dispute on custom flues. 

Elated by success in humbling some 

Alsatian cities, be against us formed 

A threat'ning league of nobles, bishops — all 

Determined on destroying once the boors 

And herdsmen who had dared to stand, resist 

For years and years 'gainst Habsburgh's mighty 

house. 
One hundred, sixty-seven princes, lords 
Both temp'ral and spiritual sent, within 
Twelve days their challenge to the Swiss. To arms 
They went, the men of Uri, Schwytz, Lucerne, 
And Zug and Unterwalden. Leopold, 
The Duke himself, with horse, eight thousand 

strong, 
Advanced through Arg'vy's vales. Twelve thou- 
sand more 
On foot, at little distance followed him. 
Arriving on a plain near Sempach's lake, 
The Austrian first beheld the forces small, 
The Swiss opposed to his, in all not more 
Than fourteen hundred strong. The Duke at once, 
In looking with contempt at such a foe, 
Commands the knights: "Dismount! we will not 

wait 
For those in rear. This day the lords alone 
Will take revenge for insults and disgrace, 
The sturdy boors, for near two hundred years 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 17 

Have cast upon my house." They did dismount, 
In phalanx close advanced against the Swiss. 
The latter, taught by pious custom, fell 
Upon their knees and prayed. My children, you 
Have heard to whom. 

(Abnold arises and comes to the foreground.) 

They all arise and run 
With thund'ring clamor down upon the foe. 
In vain they try to break the Austrian line ; 
And sixty Switzer's fall. The lords advance, 
In bristled crescent form, and threaten all 
At once to flank, on right and left, the band 
So small. A dark and gloomy moment now 
For Switzerland ! 

" For liberty I will 
Make way," exclaims the voice of Winkelried. 

(Aloys starts with glistening eyes.) 

" Beloved, faithful brethren : take in care 

My wife and children dear. Remember ye 

My blood ! " And with these words he grasps, within 

His vig'rous arms, the lances he can reach. 

He buries them into his heart — and falls. 

Aloys. My country's saviour falls ! Immortal hence 
Shall be the name of Unterwalden ! 

Mary. !Nay ! 

For Switzerland the whole, fell "Winkelried. 



18 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Arnold. A gap is formed. The Swiss,with morn- 
ing star 
And battle-axe,break into Austria's ranks. 
They deal the blows of death to right and left. 
The. lord of Brandis falls, and Friesshard who 
Had boasted once, alone to whip the boors — 
He falls, and falls the banner of Tyrol. 
The Austrian standard falls with Escheloh ; 
In vain the knight of Aarburg tries to lift 
Again the colors proud ; he falls — exclaims 
In dying : " Save, save Austria, oh, my lord !" 
With steady hand the banner holds on high 
Once more Duke Leopold himself — and falls 
The Duke of Austria. 

Lily. God ! can this be true ? 

Aloys. Thy great grandfather, child, himself was 
there. 

Arnold. Almighty God in judgment sat against 
The wanton scorn of nobles who despised 
His Holy Law — and thus was saved our land. 

Mary. Come, let us go ! The bell is ringing now ; 
The sacrifice will soon begin, and whilst 
We kneel before the sacred shrine, we all 
Will pray to God to bless forevermore 
Our land, our home, our beauteous Switzerland. 

[Exeunt.] 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 19 

SCENE II. 

The forest of Eanft in Unterwalden. The hermitage of Nicholas 
OF the Flue is seen near a small chapel in the background. The 
wild torrent of the Melch forms a cascade, and then flows through a 
ravine, over which is erected a narrow bridge. Nicholas or the 
Flue and Henry 1st Geund, the pastor of Stanz, are sitting on the 
trunk of a fallen tree. 

Henry. 'Tis as I said, no hope for peace. 

Nicholas. . It grieves 

My heart to hear the news my father brings. 
I hoped that Charles, the noble Duke, for once 
"Would learn, by his defeat, on Granson's field, 
That God resists the haughty. Pride hath brought 
To fall the mightiest houses, princes, kings, 
Empires and commonwealths, from earliest times. 

Henry. Alas ! that man will never learn the old 
Eternal lesson, taught by Holy Writ 
And all the Christian fathers ! 

Nicholas. Charles the Bold, 

Is he prepared again to come, invade, 
"With force sufficient, Switzerland ? I thought, 
Perhaps, his losses were so great, that now 
He would be glad to treat for peace. His lands 
Have suffered much by all his wars. 

Henry. They say, 

He seems to be bereft of self-control ; 
In dark and gloomy musings lost, from time 
To time, alike some furious wounded beast 



20 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 

That snaps at friend and foe, he will give vent 
To fiercest rage and temper wild 'gainst all 
That dare or are obliged to draw anear 
His person. Spurning all his friends' advice, 
He still is bent on naught but stern revenge. 

Nicholas. Revenge 'gainst whom? The hand of 
God ? Poor Charles ! 

Henry. 'Tis said that every man of six in his 
Dominions all, is called to arms ; the sixth 
Of every pence is levied. Where the bells 
Of churches seem in sound estate, and where, 
In houses, iron kettles more than one 
Are found, — they all are seized for casting guns. 
The Duchess of Savoy, Iolanta, still 
Assists him. Louis, King of France, the one 
Who was the secret cause of all the strife 
Between the Duke and Switzerland, is now 
Evasive, vague, uncertain, wily, full 
Of artful words in all he says, afraid 
To break with Charles. The Emperor himself 
Is trying to retard the measures which 
The Swiss might take. 

Nicholas. 'Tis not on foreign help 

The Swiss must count, rely. Their strength is found 
Within themselves. What say my gracious lords 
Of Berne? 

Henry. In Berne confusion seems to reign. 
The Provosts Diessbach, Scharnachthal are both 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 21 

For hot pursuit of war, but Bubenberg, 

The noble stately lord, suspected friend 

Of Charles, from council hath withdrawn, retir'd 

To Spiez, his own ancestral seat. 

(Aloys and Mary emerge from the forest) 

What now ! 
You children here ? I thought that you had left 
The church for home. 

Mary. I love to come, on days 

Like this, in your wild solitude, to see 
Our most revered, beloved, faithful friend, 
The far-famed brother Claus. 

Nicholas. The likes of thee, 

My child, are ever welcome here. 

Mary. And he, 

My brother Aloys ? 

Nicholas. Is welcome, too. 

You both are dear to me, but where and how 
Is she, thy little sister Lily? 

Mary. Well ! 

She went with father home from church. 

Aloys. Alike 

Her graceful namesake which .exhales her sweet 
Perfume, in gratitude on high, for her 
Creation, this beloved child, with thoughts 
Angelic, pure, delights us all and seems 
To make us breathe the air of spheres divine. 



22 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Mary. [Smiling.) What music in thy words ! How 
well thou couldst 
Expound-to man the truth of G-od ! 

Aloys. Beware ! 

Mary. My worthy fathers both; we come to ask 
For your advice. I think my brother here 
Is now of age to choose the path of life 
He ought to take. 

Henry. Indeed ! the boy has grown 

To be a man. 

Nicholas. {Musingly.) How flies the time! It 
seems 
To me but yesterday I took him, then 
A babe, to Arnold's house. 

Mary. I deem 't is wrong 

That he, with talents great, with knowledge deep 
Endowed, should spend his life in toil obscure 
In these, our valleys, like a peasant, or 
A herdsman. 

Henry. Proud, ambitious girl ! For him — 

"What nobler calling could be wished ? 

Mary. Your own ! 

Henry. What he, you mean, he should become a 
Priest? 

Mary. Is there a calling higher in the world 
Than that of him, who is a guide to man's 
Immortal soul, a father mild, a judge 
Of right and wrong? he comforts the distressed, 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 23 

Uplifts the fallen, and diffuses life 
Celestial in Holy Sacrament. 

Henry. True ! 

But feels the boy, within his inmost heart, 
A call to serve the Lord, renounce the world 
With all its charms ? 

Aloys. Alas ! my father, no.! 

Mary. I fear, thou knowest not thyself, my 
friend ! 
Thy soul is far too great to be absorbed 
In love of things terrestrial. Love of God 
Alone can quench thy thirst. 

Aloys. 'Tis thy mistake, 

My heart does yearn for earthly love, for one 
That may respond, with tenderness sincere, 
To all I feel, and gladden once a home 
To me. 

Nicholas. {To Mary.) Beware, lest thou mislead 
the boy! 
It is an awful thing to be a priest 
Of God! The Bride of Christ rejects the heart 
That fluctuates between the world and her. 

Henry. Alas ! how few will think of this, before 
They take upon themselves the sacred vows ! 
How deep the fall of some hath been ! Disgrace 
And shame they brought upon the Church, and 

vice 
Most vile into her sanctuary's halls; 



24 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

The Holy See itself hath been defiled 
By men unfit for their vocation high. 
"What unclean vessels for the source of life ! 

Nicholas. Saint Peter fell ! and yet he had been 
called 
The Rock on which the Church shall ever stand. 
The source of Life may flow through veins of lead 
Or gold; its healing waters still remain 
The same. Whatever men may do to bring 
Disgrace upon their sacred calling, — she, 
The Church of Christ forevermore will stand 
Aloft, immaculate and pure, in all 
Her bridal beauty. 

Henry. True, Saint Peter fell ! 

But he redeemed his fall by martyr's death. 
The Church had then her foes without, but now 
They are within herself. Corruption stains 
Her priests and prelates. I^ay ! the Pope hath been 
Accused of crimes atrocious. Sacred vows 
Of nuns and monks to live a chaste, and pure, 
And virtuous life, are spurned and ridiculed. 
I, trembling, see a mighty storm approach, 
That will, with rage and fury, shake the Church 
To her foundation. 

Nicholas. Let it come ! The storm 

But purifies the air. The Church will stand 
As firm as yonder snowy peaks, the Alps. 
The Son of God hath promised to abide 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 25 

With her until this earth shall be no more. 
Jehovah reigns ! Who dares to doubt His word ? 

( Thunder is heard in the distance. Henry, Aloys, and Maey look 
with amazement at the hermit, who stands erect, with eyes uplifted 
to heaven.) 

Mary. (Whispering to Aloys.) Behold! What fiery- 
glow is on his face ! 
As one transfigured, there he stands ! 

Aloys. And God 

Almighty thunders Amen to his words. 

(All remain silent for awhile.) 

Henry. My children, dark becomes the sky. We 
are 
Too late to reach our homes, before the storm 
Will burst upon the valley. Here we may 
A shelter take in yonder chapel. See ! 
The rain begins to fall, and lightning rends 
The clouds. 

Mary. 'Tis meet to kneel in humble pray'r, 
When God, in mighty voice, reminds us all 
Of His omnipotence and majesty. 

[Exeunf] 



26 NICHOLAS OF THE PLQE. 



SCENE III. 



A wild -forest. A path winds itself from the summit of a hill, 
in the background, to its base. The rain is violently swept By the 
wind through the trees. Thunder and lightning. Edward voh 
Bubehberg, in a hunting dress, and with a cross-bow strapped over 
his shoulder, appears on the top of the hill, and slowly descends the 
path. He is lame, and leans on an Alpine staff. Arriving at the 
foot of the bill, he sinks exhausted on the ground. 

Edward. I can no more. Here must I die. Oh 
God! 
Away from home, from father, sister, friends ! 
Oh, awful fate ! deserved by reckless wish 
For roving, hunting, 'midst the forest wild ! 
Two days have gone since, lost within the woods, 
I've neither tasted food, nor other drink 
But water. God ! Is there no help ? To die — 
To be a prey to ravenous beast ! Oh God ! 
My God ! Forgive my sins ! Remember not 
The failings of my youth ! If Thou would' st still 
Vouchsafe, in mercy, help to send, I vow 
To make a pilgrimage to Holy Land. 
It is too late ! My sight grows dim. The pangs. 
Of death approach. Oh ! holy Virgin, pray 
For me ! 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 27 

(He swoons away. The storm, meanwhile has subsided. The church 
bell in the distance rings the Angclus for the evening. A female 
and two male voices are heard singing behind the scene.) 

Ave Maria, 

Star of the Sea ! 

Ever in clanger 

Fly we to thee, 

When in the mountains, 

When on the lake, 

Tempests are raging, 

Then we, .will take 

Refuge W thee, 

Ave Maria, 

Star of the Sea ! 

(Mary, followed by Henry Im Grtjnd and Aloys, appears on the top- 
of the hill. They descend. Mary arrives near the tree where: 
Edward is still lying senseless.) 

Mary. Oh, Heavens, who is here ? 

Aloys. (Hushing upon the scene.) A man 

Asleep or dead ! 

Mary. (Kneeling at Edward's side.) He must be 
dead. How pale 
He looks ! 

Henry. (Passing his arm under Edward's head and' 
placing the ear to his mouth.) He breathes. 

Aloys. (Taking a flash from his pocket, pours its con- 
tents into Edward's mouth.) Thank God ! Here 
is some wine. 



28 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUEJ 

Edward. (Opening his eyes, sees the face of Mary 
bent over him.) What angel here ! Is this the 
heavenly Land? 

(The rays of the setting sun illuminate the scene. The curtain slowly 
descends.) 



END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 



SCENE I. 

A large hall in the manor of Spiez. Portraits of the ancestors of 
Adrian von Bubenberg are hanging on the wall. A helmet and 
a mail coat are seen in the centre of the back ground, between two 
Gothic windows, also a sword and two lances, under the portrait of 
the founder of the family. 

Adrian von Bubenbeeg is sitting on an arm- chair. He seems to 
be absorbed in reading a large volume, placed on a stand before him. 
Julia, his daughter, sits opposite to him near a round table, and is 
engaged at some work of embroidery. She lifts her eyes, from time 
to time, and seems to watch her father's countenance. 

Adrian von Bubenbeeg shuts the book violently and walks, for 
a few moments, up and down the hall. 

Adrian. Accursed and hell-born snake — ingrati- 
tude : 
That thou shouldst dare to soil, with venom vile, 
With mortal sting attack the noblest hearts, 
The greatest souls ! 

Julia. My father has again 

Been reading Caesar. 

3* 29 



30 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 

Adrian. Csesar ! yes ! the pride 

Of ancient Rome, the man whose name, alike 
A spell, hath ever acted on my mind, 
From childhood's years. My blood will boil to 

burst 
My veins, as oft I think of all he did 
For Rome, ungrateful Rome! To hazard life, 
Estate, to serve his country's cause, to bring 
Beneath the sway of Rome the world — for what ? 
To meet the foul assassin's dagger, nay ! 
Receive the death-blow from the hand of one 
He loved. Ah, Julia ! when this tragic tale 
I first did read, I wept, alike a child, 
Whose father had been slain. 

Julia. Was Brutus wrong, 
To save the Commonwealth, to sacrifice 
His friend ? Methinks he had a noble soul ; 
He loved his country more than 

Adrian. Hush, my child! 

Thou dost not know, thy words recall a scene 
From mem'ry of the past, that haunts me still. 
I was then but a youth at Dijon's court. 
Philip the Good, Burgundy's noble duke, 
With kindest hospitality, retained 
And treated me, as if I were his son. 
And Charles, the heir, unhappy Charles ! who's now 
Our country's foe, was then my inmost friend. 
He was a youth of noble, gen'rous heart, 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 31 

Of aspirations lofty, eagle-like, 

And as a lion bold and brave, with mind 

Imperial, proud, I grant, but just. He was 

IBs country's idol, chivalrous in all 

He did ; a hero whom the ancients would 

Have ranked am ongst the gods. I loved that Charles ; 

I love him still. 

Julia. Your country's foe ? 

Adrian. Alas ! 

He was not always that; but listen, child ! 
We often would review the past, converse 
On Greek and Roman heroes great. The names 
Of Alexander, Hannibal, inspired 
With high, enthusiastic ardor both 
Of us. But, more than all, the name of one 
Appeared most dear to Charles. 

Julia. Whose name? 

Adrian.- The name 

Of Julius Csesar. Ah ! in him he seemed 
To live, to breathe. Th' illustrious hero's works 
He daily read. What others wrote of him, 
In prose or verse, he quoted. Once I heard 
My friend describe the scene of Csesar's death. 
With count'nance pale, with eyes in tears, he gazed 
On me. In broken voice I heard him say : 
" And Brutus, thou !" That look, that thrilling tone 
Hath haunted ever since my mind. 



32 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 

(Rudolph, the page, enters and presents several letters on a salver to 
Adrian.) 

Rudolph. My lord, 

The messenger from Berne hath come and brought 
The missives here. 

Adrian. 'Tiswell; thou can'st withdraw ; but tell: 
That madcap boy of mine — hath he returned ? 

Rudolph. Lord Edward ? No, not yet. 

Julia. In truth, I feel 

Alarmed. 'Twas fifteen days ago he left 
The castle. 

Adrian. Never fear ! Ill weed will grow, 
Not perish. 

Julia. Father ! Edward is not bad, 
Not vicious. Wild and reckless he may be, 
But still he has a heart as tender, warm, 
As ever beat. His fault is spirit high, 
Exuberance of strength, the Switzer's gift. 
He wants a field to act, a chance to win 
A name. This peaceful life at home is not 
The one for him. 

Adrian. He wants to go abroad, 

To see the world, until, afar from home, 
He will, with longing soul, regret the step 
Which made him leave his Fatherland. Alas ! 
The Switzer learns to feel the magic spell, 
His country throws around his heart, but when 
Abroad ! 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 33 

{Opening one of the letters.) 

But what is this ? "What hast thou done ? 
Mischievous girl? Indeed, surprise and sport 
And honor too, is here for thee. A German prince 
Of old descent, immensely rich, requests, 
In terms most formal, courteous, me to give 
His son — thy hand. 

Julia. (In a tone of vexation.) I know of whom 
you speak, 
I met that son of him who writes, in Berne. 
I sometimes danced with him at balls. He is 
A youth effeminate, and oily-tongued, 
And dressed in costly silks and velvets ; wears 
Around his neck such chains of gold, enough 
To make him sweat beneath their weight, with hair 
In curls perfumed, affected in his speech. 
I noticed not the flattering things he said 
To me, and thus I did not deem it worth 
To say a word to you. 

Adrian. Why, girl, dost thou, 

In terms of such contempt, allude to one 
That pays to thee the highest compliment 
A man can pay to woman ? Answer me ; 
Dost thou refuse the honor offered here ? 

Julia. I do, and more, I feel insulted, vexed, 
That such a silly fool should dare, presume 
To think that I might be entranced by charms 
Like his. 



34 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 



Adrian. His rank and wealth may 



Julia. What of rank ? 

'No man who thinks an honor to bestow 
On me shall ever have my hand. 

Adrian. But child ! 

Hast thou considered well ? 

Julia. I do not love 

The man. I cannot love him, never will. 
I do despise him now. 

Adrian. "What nonsense, girl ! 

Who thinks of love, in days like these, when rank 
And wealth are first to be considered ? Love ! 
Is there such thing as love ? I thought that thou 
Didst not believe in fancy whims as love. 

Julia. My father wrongs himself in speech so 
strange. 
Would he have dared, in words like these, to woo 
My sainted mother? Love; ah, sacred flame ! 
Creation's essence, yea ! thou dost exist. 
The loveliest, sweetest fragrance from the heart 
Proceeds from thee. Thou art the highest boon 
On earth bestowed on man, the tie that links 
To immortality his soul. 

Adrian. What bard 

Or minstrel hath been here to sing such strains 
To thee ? Perhaps at last thy heart is touched. 
That handsome Duke Rene, whose cause, in Berne? 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 35 

The women all will plead, hath cast an eye 
On thee. 

Julia. No mortal's image yet is here 
Enshrined within my heart. I do not like 
To hear you speak with levity of love — 
And marriage. God hath sanctioned both. His 

Church, 
In Holy Sacrament, unites in bonds 
Most beautiful, indissoluble, man 
And woman, noblest creatures still of Him 
Who first the world created ; strength and grace 
United here by sacred rites, enhance 
The realms of happiness on earth, prepare 
The soul for higher bliss in Heav'n above. 

Adrian. {Aside; musingly.) Her sainted mother! 
How like her she looks 
Her own, her very words she but repeats. 
(To Julia.) Forgive, my child, for having thus dis- 
turbed 
Thy soul serene with mere ambitions whims 
To see, my child — a princess ! 

Julia. Princess, I ! 

My father can forget, whose blood doth flow 
Within my veins, forget who is himself ? 
The prince is but the vassal of ajdng ; 
On their estates, the lords of Berne themselves 
Are kings ! 

Adrian. Oh, glorious girl ! Come here into 



36 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE". 

My arms ! Thou art, indeed, of Bubenbergs' 
The worthy issue. 

Julia. Father, now I know 

You are yourself again. Your heart is right, 
Would disapprove of sacrilegious bonds. 
The woman who, for sordid motives, will 
Degrade herself, pronounce a lie before 
The altar, brings the curse of God upon 
Her house. I feel no wish for change of life, 
~No wish to leave my native land. I love 
My country, — love it ! Like the morning star 
Of liberty, it shines to nations all. 
With you, in this our home, I'm happy still. 
The time may come y when I shall meet the soul 
To which my own is tuned in harmony. 
Do promise me to let the choice be mine, 
To let me link my fate to one I love ! 

Adrian. I do, my child ! 

Rudolph. {Enters.) My lord, a peasant youth 
Is here from Unterwalden, asking leave 
To see your lordship. 

Adrian. Well ! his name ? 

Rudolph. Im Grund. 

Adrian. Im Grund ! I know that name. Admit 
the youth ! • 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 37 

(Aloys, dressed in peasant's costume, enters and bows with stateliness 
to Julia, and then to her father.) ^ 

Aloys. Your lordship's most obedient. 

Julia. (Aside with surprise.) What ? Is this 
A peasant ? Look what noble mien ! what hands 
And feet so small ! what lordly eagle eye ! 

Adrian. Be welcome, friend! Are you, perhaps, 
akin 
To one I often saw in Berne, on days 
"When delegates, from all the Cantons, met 
In council hall — Arnold Im Grund? 

Aloys. I am, 

My lord, his son adopted. 

Adrian. Here, your hand, 

My friend ! A worthier man than he breathes not 
In Unterwalden. Page, a cup of wine — 
A chair! 

(Rudolph draws an arm-chair to the centre of the hall, then leaves 
for a moment, and reappears with a salver, on which he bears a 
large silver cup, which he presents to Aloys.) 

Aloys. Your health, my lady! your's, my lord! 

(Drinks.) 
Julia. (Aside.) What ease, 

What grace, what dignity in all he does ! 
Aloys. (Drawing a letter from his pocket.) 

My lord, I bring a message here for you ; 



38 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

A letter written by your Lordship's son, 
Who ill is lying in nay father's house. 

Adrian. My son ! {Seizing the letter and opening it 
hurriedly.) 

Julia. My brother ill ? 

Adrian. (Reading.) " These lines will be 
Presented by the saviour of my life." 

Julia. My brother's saviour, you ? Oh speak ! 
What ill 
Befell him ? 

Adrian. (Reading.) " Hunting in the mountains 
wild, 
I lost my way, when I had crossed the pass 
Of Briinig, in a forest dense. Without 
A morsel there to eat, the second day, 
Exhausted I had sunk and swooned away, 
And given up myself as lost." 

Julia. Poor boy ! 

Adrian. " The Blessed Virgin must have heard my 
words — 
My last, in praying, uttered. Angels like 
This youth you see, his lovely sister, with 
A reverend father, found me, took me up, 
And led me to their home. For sev'ral days 
I lay in fever most severe ; but now 
I'm out of danger ; weak, 'tis true, but care 
Most tender here is taken of your son." 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 39 

Julia. (Seizing with emotion the hand of Aloys.) 
You saved my brother's life ! ISTo words can tell — 
Express my gratitude to you. 

Adrian. Nor mine. 

My friend, we are your debtors all. My son 
Is now your father's guest; you must be mine, 
At least until my boy returns. 

Aloys. You are 

Too kind, my lord. My message done, I must 
Return. We are in May. My father's herd 
Shall leave, next week, the valley for the Alps. 
I must be there. 

Julia. (Aside.) A herdsman merely — he ? 

Rudolph. (Enters.) My Lord von Hallwyl. 

Adrian. John, my dearest friend, 

What lucky star brings thee ? 

Von Hallwyl. No lucky star 

This time. 

{Perceiving Aloys, he goes towards him and grasps warmly his hand.) ! 

You here ? What gladdening surprise ! ! 
Adrian. You know my friend ? 
Von Hallwyl What, know him t 

'tis the brave, 
The noble herdsman, who, midst heroes all, 
On Granson's battle-field, the bravest, dared — 
When victory was won, and Scharnachthal, 
My Lord Provost of Berne, the eldest knight, 



40 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

On Waldmann and myself bestowed the boon 
Of knighthood, dared — when he was called to kneel, 
And to receive the lordly title too, 
Dared to decline the honor. 

Julia. Noble men 

Of nature titles never need. 

Aloys. My Lords : 

Forgive ! I am an humble herdsman poor, 
An orphan child, adopted by Im Grund, 
A worthy peasant, who from Brother Claua 
A hermit 

Adrian. Brother Claus, I know him well; 
He is the wisest man in Switzerland, . 
The holiest too. 

Aloys. — Received me when a babe. 
My parents are unknown to me. My name 
In secret keeps the Brother Claus alone. 
I know it not, and thus I thought I had 
No right to take the honor offer'd me. 

Adrian. No matter who you are, you saved my son. 
He is the last of Bubenbergs. 

Von Hallwyl. {To Adrian.) My friend, 
I am in haste. I wish to have a word , 
On state affairs, with you alone. 

Adrian. {To Aloys.) At all 

Events you shall not leave to-day. Remain 
With Julia here, my daughter, till the bell 
Will call to dinner ! 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 41 

(Exeunt Adrian and von Hallwyl.) 

Julia. (After a few moments of silence.) Thus the 
herdsman's life 
Is all to you ? No higher aim you have ? 

Aloys. It is a peaceful, happy, modest life. 
That giveth time to deep and solemn thought, 
To meditations on the mysteries 
The world presents. The greatest men of old 
Were herdsmen. Kings were not. ashamed to guard 
Their flocks in Greece and Rome. To herdsmen first 
The King of kings vouchsafed to show himself 
At Bethlehem. 

Julia. (Aside.) What strange bewitching spell 
In all his words ! 

(Enter again Adkian and von Hallwyl.) 

Adrian. ( Whispering.) It cannot be, my Mend ! 

Aloys has risen from his seat, and is looking at the volume on the 
stand before the arm chair. 

Von Hallwyl. Your Fatherland in peril will you 
leave — 
Forsake ? 

Adrian. My Fatherland hath spurned my own 
Advice in proper time. This war then might 
Have been avoided. 

Von Hallwyl. Bubenberg, you know, 
In council on this point, we did agree. 
Like you, I was opposed to French intrigue 

4* 



42 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

And bribery. I am no friend of him, 
That sneaking Louis, king of France. 

Adrian. It is 

Enough to move the stones, to see the bold 
And manly, honest, gen'rous, candid heart 
Entangled by the snares of such a cur, 
A hypocrite 

Julia. My father ! 

Adrian. Child, I know 

I will forget myself, when kings descend 
To play the fox. And Brutus, thou ! 

Von Hallwyl. {Pointing to the portraits on the wall.) 

Behold ! 
Your fathers look upon you here. They all 
Have stood to Berne in danger's hour. Your friend, 
The Duke, hath not alone offended Berne ; 
He tramples on the rights of man, on all 
That's sacred to humanity. 

Aloys. {Reading aloud.) " All men, 
By nature, freedom love and hate to be 
In servitude." Ah, Csesar ! hads't thou thought 
Of this at Rome, no Brutus might have been. 

Adrian. { With astonishment.) 
A herdsman reading, quoting Csesar ! "Who 
Hath mentioned names like these to you ? 

Aloys. My lord, be not surprised ! I learned the 
tongue 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 43 

Of ancient Rome, in winter evenings long, 
From worthy Father Henry, Priest of Stanz. 
Von Hallwyl. The country is in danger, friends, 
again. 
The Duke of Burgundy, with stronger force, 
Than once before, prepares to come. They say 
He does advance with eighty thousand men, 
Besiege the town of Morat. Cavalry, 
The best of England, headed by the Duke 
Of Somerset, he hath engaged. With guns 
Of siege five hundred 

Julia. God save my country ! 

Adrian. And Brutus, thou ! 

Von Hallwyl. The Duke in rage hath sworn, 
He will exterminate the commonwealth 
Of Berne, and force again beneath his sway 
The world. As Caesar he will rule. Shall Berne 
Submit ? 

Adrian. {Laboring under violent struggle with himself, 
takes the sword from the wall, unsheathes it, and 
comes to the centre of the scene.) 

~Ro ! Caesar's arm shall never rule 
In Berne ! A commonwealth of nobles proud, 
And burghers, artisans, united all 
By one great feeling — love of native soil — 
She shall remain, as long as this my arm 
Can sway the sword 



44 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 



Von Hallwyl. Oh, noble Bubenberg ! 

Adrian. To future ages shall the name of Berne, 
A model State, by wisdom, justice ruled, 1 
The home of freedom be bequeathed to all 
Our children. Each of them shall ever, proud 
"With head uplifted, royal, dare to say : 
I too, was born in Berne! The Lords of Berne 
"Will have no master but the King of kings. 

(Adrian and von Hallwyl join their hands. Aloys comes quietly 
between them, and places his hand on theirs.) 

Aloys. And Unterwalden stands to Berne ! myself 
I'll lead the van. Nor Lords nor peasants now, 
In danger one, as brothers, Switzers all 
Unite against the foe to stand — or fall ! 



SCENE II. 

Before Arnold Im Grund's house in Unterwalden. Mary is at 
her knitting work ; Edward von Bubenberg sitting on a rustic 
arm chair ; Lily at his side. 

Lily. My Lord, I like to hear you talk of all 
Your city's wonders. 

Mary. Berne, indeed, must be 

A splendid place. 

Edward. 'Midst Uechtland's cities, Berne 

Is like a solid wall, a bulwark strong 
For lands, where freedom's day was dawning first. 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 45 

Lily. Are not the people there most proud ? 

Edward. They are. 

Lily. The Blessed Virgin was not proud. 

Edward. My child : 

The Lord of Berne uplifts his head 'midst men — 
His equals — bows, like you, in humble faith 
Before his God. 

Mary. And justice, equity, 

Have ever dwelt in Berne. Of Switzerland 
The oldest noble families are there. 

Edward. There is a house in which the Habsburghs 
served 
As pages once. If ever you should come 
To Berne, how happy I shall be to show 
Her beauties all to you ! 

Mary. To me, my Lord, 

A peasant girl ? 

Edward. My guardian angel, who 
Has saved my life. 

Mary. My Lord, you overrate 

The little I have done. The one to whom 
You prayed, the Blessed Virgin, sent you help. 

Edward. Sent you. 

Arnold. ( With hat and riding whip in his hands, ap- 
pears.) 

Oh, Lily, darling, wilt thou come 
With me to visit Brother Claus ? I'll seat 
Thee on my horse before me. 



46 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Lily. [Clapping her hands with joy.) Brother Claus, 
The holy man ! How happy I shall be ! 

{Exeunt Arnold and Lilt.) 

Edward. What pleasant, cheerful life yon lead in 
this 
So peaceful valley ! How I feel regret 
To leave it, leave my kindest friends, and — you ! 

Mary. My Lord will soon forget us in the crowd 
Of Berne's bewitching beauties. 

Edward. You, I should 

Forget ? No nevermore t if I should live 
A thousand years. 

Mary. The heart of man will oft 

Deceive its owner. 

Edward. Never me ! Before 

I leave, I feel compelled to say a word 
To you. 

Mary. My Lord ! 

Edward. I love you, Mary, love 
"With all my heart 

Mary. {Bursting into tears.) My Lord, this is too 
much! 
Remember who you are, and who am I ! 

Edward. Have I offended you? Forgive ! With 
heart 
Sincere, most earnest, do I love. You are 
A Switzer's daughter, I — a Switzer's son. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 47 

Mary. A nobleman, a Lord of Berne ! 

Edward. And you 

A noble woman, lov'liest of your sex ! 
What change you have effected in my mind ! 
Your presence acts alike a soothing breeze 
On me. My reckless, stormy nature yields 
At once to influence so sweet, so pure, 
So holy. 

Mary. Fancy's work all this may be, 
My Lord. I am an humble peasant girl, 
Not used to speech so flatt'ring. 

Edward. Mary, how, 

On themes like these, can you believe I use 
But words of sacred truth ? When shades of death 
Were threat'ning me, I made a vow to go 
To see the Holy Grave 

(Bells begin to ring in the distance. The sounds of horns ate heard 
from different directions.) 

Mary. Oh, Heavens ! hark ! 

What's this ? Alarum bells, the horns of war ! 

(Enter again Aenold and Lily.) 

My father, what, you here so soon ? 

Arnold. We met 

The Brother Claus not far from here. He comes 
Himself to us, and brings some serious news. 



48 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

{Alarum bells in the neighborhood. Enter Aloys and several young 
peasants and herdsmen.) 

Lily. {Rushing into the arms of Aloys.) 
Oh, brother mine, what now ? You look so strange. 

Aloys. To arms, whoever bears the Switzer's name ! 
The horn of war is blown throughout the land. 

Arnold. What now, when spring hath just begun, 
and herds 
Should go to Alps? 

Aloys. No herds may soon be left 

To guard in Unterwaldeh here, if Berne, 
Her bulwark, falls. 

Edward. Is Berne besieged ? 

Aloys. Not yet, 

But Moral 

Edward. What, so near? A town but five 
Short leagues from Berne. 

Aloys. Your noble father there 

Hath gone to keep, defend the place. 

Edward. Against 

His friend, the Duke ? 

Aloys. No friendship could retain 

My Lord von Bubenberg from serving now 
His country, when in danger. 

Edward. Oh, and I 

Am here ! 

Aloys. To arms, ye men ! I've pledged to Bern- 
The youth of Unterwalden. 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 49 

Arnold. Youth is haste. 

The season now is not the same as when 
In March, the snow was on the Alps. 

(Enters Nicholas of the Flue ; all the men uncover their heads.) 

Nicholas. My friends : 

The council of the Canton hath resolved 
To send to Berne the banner of the land. 

All the young men. To arms ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! 
hurrah ! 

(Exeunt all but Nicholas, Arnold, Mart, and Lilt. The ringing 
of the bells continues. The echos of voices in different direc- 
tion are Jieard singing: 

To arms ! 
To arms ! to arms ! hurrah ! 

( Variations on the Alpine horn on the call to arms.) 

Mary. Come; Lily ! thou 

And I, we can but pray to God that He 
In mercy may protect our land. 

(Exeunt.) 

Arnold. I fear, 

This love of war which here our youth betray, 
"Will soon become a curse to Switzerland. 
No more content to humble toil to give 
Their strength, they rush to arms, to battle-fields, 
And find their joy in shedding blood, remind 
Us of the beasts, that once have tasted gore, 



50 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

"Will quench their thirst in naught besides. I feel 
Alarmed for future days. This king of France, 
That first hath offer'd gold for Switzers' arms, 
Will soon corrupt our youth, and make them spurn 
The toil for daily bread. 

Nicholas. My friend is right. 

I fear myself this will become a curse, 
Disgrace to all the Swiss, and bring the wrath 
Of God upon the nation. Man was doomed 
To labor, till the soil, and not to slay 
His brother. War and bloodshed take their source 
From sin. 

Arnold. Methinks I heard my Brother say 
That God is peace. 

Nicholas. And peace He is and love, 

To him that leads a sinless life, but God 
Is justice, too ! A stern avenger on 
The haughty one who will defy His law, 
And trample on the rights of man. 

Arnold. In davs 

Of yore the Switzers went to war to stand 
Against oppressors vile, defend their rights 
Alone. What now, when rulers will allow 
To sell the blood of man, accept from kings 
And princes — bribes as hath heen done ? 

Nicholas. For sins, 

Like these, their offspring once will have to pay, 
To suffer. When the love of sordid gain, 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 51 

The thirst of gold shall once possess the Swiss 
To lend their arms to foreign kings, to crush — 
Oppress their people, soon or late, the curse 
Of God will fall upon the Switzers. "War 
Will come — invade the land, and those on whom 
The mercenaries helped to place the yoke, 
Themselves will take revenge, from power hurl 
The ones who bear the names of those that first 
This traffic sanctioned. Dark will be the cloud 
On Switzerland, but sins of nations must 
Be drowned in blood ! 

Arnold. [Aside.) What strange, prophetic words ! 
How sad and yet sublime he looks ! (Aloud.) Is 

now 
This awful doom to come on us ? This war 
With Charles 

{Enter Maky and Lily, unobserved by the speakers.) 

Nicholas. Is not the one of which I speak. 

In war like this, the Swiss are for the right, 
And God will help them still. 

Arnold. Then all must take 

The sword in Unterwalden. 

Mary. (Throioing her arms around her father's neck.} 

Father, no ! 
You are too old, too weak. You cannot go. 
Your wound is not yet healed. 

Arnold. My child, I bled 



52 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

On Granson's field, two months ago; I'm strong 
Again. My country calls. 

Mary. But if you sink 

In death, who then shall be my father ? 

Arnold. [Pointing upward.) God 

In Heaven. 

Lily. ( With hands crossed.) God in Heaven, hear 
thy child ! 
Preserve, protect my father I 

(The blasts of a powerful horn are heard.) 

Arnold. Hark! "What sounds 

Most awful from the East ? 

Cheers behind the scene. Enter again Aloys, Edward, with several 
young peasants and herdsmen, all armed and equipped. Maey 
retires to one side of the stage.) 

Aloys. Hurrah ! The men 

Of Uri ! 

(Hanks Im Hof, bearing the banner of Uri, appears on the summit of 
the hill. He is followed by the warriors of that Canton. 
. Everg man bears on his left arm a red band, with a white 
Cross in the centre. They all descend the path in single file, 
and come on the scene. Whilst they are loudly welcomed by 
the men of Uhterwalden, Edwaed approaches Maey.) 

Edward. Mary, when, alive from war, 
I shall return, and when the Holy Land 
I shall have seen, I'll come again to speak 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 53 

Of love to you, till then remember me ! 
Farewell ! 

Mary. My Lord, farewell ! 

Arnold. Be welcome, Harms, 

My old and faithful friend ! I feel ashamed 
To see you on the march, whilst I, as yet 
Am not prepared. 

Harms Im Hof. The land of Tell is first 
To come, when freedom is in danger. 

Aloys. .We, 

The youth of Unterwald are ready too. 

Edward. And I, a Bubenberg, will join your band, 
For one for all, and all for one, we are 
In Switzerland. 

(The tinkling of a little bell is heard. Two boys dressed in white 
gowns, followed by the priest He net Im Gbuitd in surplice, 
and bearing the holy sacrament appear in the background. 
The whole crowd prostrate themselves in silence.) 

Henry. From scenes of death I come. 

To scenes of death you go. The Church of Christ 
Bestows on all her children — care in life 
Or death, and gives her blessing ever, when 
For righteous cause they work, or live, or fight, 
Or die. 2 

(He makes the sign of the Cross three times over the kneeling crowd'. 

Nicholas of the Flue alone arises, and stands with hands 

and eyes uplifted to heaven.) 
5* 



54 NICHOLAS OF- THE FLUE. 

Nicholas. Almighty, everlasting God ! 
Be thou with them ! Let Thine archangel walk, 
"With flaming sword, before the host that dares 
Forever to uphold, defend the truth : 
That Man is free ! and tyrants shall not live, 
Or thrive, within the bounds of Switzerland. 

{The curtain falls.) 



shd of act n. 



ACT III. 



SCENE I. 

The hall of the Senate in Berne. In the background arm-chairs 
in a semi-circle, gradually rising from each side towards the centre, 
where, under a baldachin, is the seat of the Lord Provost, surmounted 
by the armorial escutcheon of Berne. A desk covered with green 
velvet, edged with golden fringes, before it. A bar separates the 
space, occupied by the seats of the Senate, from the foreground. 
Within the semi-circle, three writing desks. 

At the rising of the curtain the thunder of cannon is heard from 
the distance, amidst the tolling of bells. This continues at intervals 
during the whole scene. In the foreground of the hall, seats are 
placed on each side. 

Enter Hams Waldmann, John von Hallwyl, Louis, Count of 
Gruy^res, all in armor. 

Waldmann. The Senate tarries long to meet. 
'Tis time 
To know what shall be done. If not relieved, 
I fear for Morat. 

Von Hallwyl. Never I, as long 
As Bubenberg is there alive. I know 

55 



56 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

The man. Two thousand there with him have kept 
The town 'gainst sixty thousand, now for ten 
Or eleven days. 

Von Gruyhes. The walls are undermined, 
They say, the towers shot to atoms all. 

Von Hallwyl. In Bubenberg, there still remains a 
wall, 
A massive wall — himself. 

( Cheers behind the scene. The Uri horn is heard. Enters Hanns Im 

Hop.) 

Waldmann. Be welcome, friend! 

My Lords, personified, in one most brave, 
The land of Tell is here. 

Im Hof. Confederates 

In need will find the men of Uri true 
To death. 

Waldmann. And Zurich not yet here ! I begged, 
Besought my countrymen to hasten. Cheers 
Again ! Perhaps at last! 

{Enter Arnold Im Geund, Paul Ennentacher, and Caspar von 
Hertenstein.) 

Ah, no ! not they ! 
'Tis Unterwalden and Lucerne must take 
The rank before my native town, 

Von Hertenstein. My friend 

Most worthy, rains and muddy roads have much 
Detained us all. A longer march than we 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 57 

Your countrymen will have. Bat hush ! I hear 
The signal bell. The Senate comes. 

(Enter first two sergeants-at-arms in long cloaks, half red, Jthlf black. 
One bears a sceptre of solid silver, the other a civic crown, 
which both are placed on the desk of the Lord Prwo&t. The 
sergeants-at-arms take position at each extremity of the semi- 
circle. Then enter Nicholas von Scharnachthal, Lord 
Provost; William von Diessbach, and Petermann von Wa- 
BERN, ex-Lords Provost; Kudolph von Erlach, and the re- 
maining Senators, all dressed in black, with sivords at their 
aides. They take their seats, the Lord Provost that in the 
centre, under the baldachin. The chancellor and two secre- 
taries occupy places within the semi-circle. 

Waldmann. (Aside to Von Hallwyl.) How grave, 
How dignified your rulers look ! Like kings 
They sit on thrones, with calm and undisturbed 
Expression, whilst the thund'ring cannon roars. 
How I should like to see this royal mien 
In Zurich's councils too ! 

Von Halhoyl. My Lord Provost 
Arises. Silence now must reign around. 

Von Scharnachthal. (Lifting the sceptre with his 
right hand, at which sign all the Senators rise and 
uncover.) 

In God Almighty's name ! 

All the Senators. Amen ! 

Von Scharnachthal. Provost 

And Senate of the Commonwealth of Berne, 
In council here assembled, have resolved : 



58 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Whereas His Highness most serene, the Duke 

Of Burgundy, hath come again, with force 

Invade^. Berne's hereditary lands, 

And now is laying siege around the town 

Of Morat ; since the forces we ourselves 

Have called to arms are in the field, and all 

Confederates and allies shall be here 

To-day, we have resolved now to appoint 

Of chief commanders three most valiant knights 

Whom, summoned here, my Lords, you see before 

You. Well beloved and known by all at home 

And feared abroad they are. And since in war 

Like this, where Berne is most exposed, 'tis meet 

That Berne should be the first to march, and thus 

My Lord von Hallwyl here is called to lead 

The van; my Lord Hanns Waldmann, Zurich's pride, 

The main ; my Lord von Hertenstein the rear. 

(Noise and cheers behind the scene. Drums cmd trumpets are heard. 
Enter Hanks Landenbeeg, Uleic von Hohensax, Pete-.. RotT 
William Heetee, Fostee of Bienne, Count Louis of Oetting^n, 
Count Oswald of Thiestein. 

Waldmann. {Shaking hands cordially with Landenberg.) 
My Lords, most thankful for the honor high 
Conferred on me, I can your Lordships now 
Inform, that Zurich's force hath come in full. 

Landenberg. Three thousand men, and Sargans, 
Thurgovy, 
With us. 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 59 

Von Hohensax. From Argovy, my Lords, I bring 
Two thousand. 

Peter Hot, Basil, two thousand too, and horse 
One hundred. 

Foster. Bienne is here. 

Von Hallwyl. As ever, Bienne 

And Berne are one. 

William Herter. And Strasburgh sends of horse 
Three hundred, cannons twelve, and marksmen still 
Four hundred. 

Von Halhoyl. Berne, my Lord, hath in the field 
Eisrht thousand, all most anxious for the word 
To march. 

Von Scharnachthal. The order will be issued now. 
To-night the march begins. 

(Cheers outside. Music, drums. Enters Rese, Duke of Lorraine. 
All the Senators rise. Those on the foreground give way to 
the Duke, who comes to the centre, before the railing. The 
Senators resume their seats.) 

Rene. Magnificent, 

Most gracious Lords of Berne r 1 magnanimous 
In all your deeds, in virtues great, and just, 
Defenders of oppressed : an exile here 
I come, of country, home, estate deprived 
By Charles, your foe and mine. In vain I have 
Besought for help His Majesty, the King 
Of France. I come to you and humbly ask, 
Your Lordships may most graciously allow 



60 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Thai I, with few who have remained to me 
Yet faithful from Lorraine, may join your host. 
Von Scharnachthal. Your Highness most serene, 
if we Provost 
Express the thanks of Berne for honor, such 
As offered here, we hope, my Lords, we shall 
But shape, in words, the Senate's sentiment 
Unanimous. 

( All the Senators bow in acquiescence.) 

"With sorrow deep, we all 
Have heard, how arbitrary hands have seized 
The realms of fair Lorraine, without a just 
Apparent cause. 

Von Erlach. Your Lordships' leave ! I move, 
His Highness to appoint to a command. 

Von Scharnachthal. The chief commanders have 
been named. It is 
Their privilege, their own, chiefs to appoint 
To their divisions. 

Von Hallwyl. Right in time, my Lords, 
This offer comes. His Highness in the van 
May take the third division. First of all 
The men of Forest Cantons, Entlibuch 
And Oberland, commands the chief of Schwytz, 
Of Schwytz renowned, the heart of Switzerland. 
And since His Highness, Archduke Sigismond 
Of Austria, now in peace and friendship bound 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. (J| 

To us, forgetful of all feuds of yore, 
Between the house of Habsburgh and ourselves, 
Hath sent the valiant Count of Thierstein here, 
With force most unexpected, cavalry 
Adapted well to act on ground, like that 
!Near Morat, he the horsemen may command. . 
I hope my Lords approve of this design. 

Von Scharnaddhal. ]STo better man hath Berne to 
send than him, 
The hero who, with Hunyad, Corvin, 
Podiebrad abroad, on Granson's field 
At home, hath won undying fame. My Lord 
Yon Hallwyl, we, the Senate trust in you. 
But furthermore we are instructed, now 
To read to all the chiefs assembled here, 
"What from Lucerne, the Diet of the land 
Hath sent to be addressed to all the troops. 
The delegates of the eternal league 
Of Uri, Schwytz, and Unterwald, Lucerne, 
And Zurich, Glaris, Zug, and Berne,have passed 
The ordinance, to wit : " From hence no more 
" Shall volunteers irregular be left 
" To go to war without command. The chiefs 
" Must be obeyed by all, and every one 
" Goes in the field in armor which, nor day 
" E'er night he is to leave, as long as lasts 
" The war. All private feuds and riots wild, 
" By penalty of death, we here forbid; 

6 



62 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

" And gambling, swearing, cursing, idle noise 

" Shall not be suffered in the field. No man 

" Shall leave the ranks without permission. Each 

" In order goes against the foe, a word 

" To God, and then, with open eye and arm 

" Unwearied, slays as many as he can. 

" JSo captives are desired. Whoever turns 

" To fly is slain by those behind him. Those 

" Attempting to desert, for perjury 

" "With death will be rewarded. Helpless age 

" Or sex let none molest ! Let none forget 

" In church or priest to honor God, the Judge 

" Of war ! No mill shall be destroyed. The van 

" Shall burn no place. Provision there the rear 

" May find. In order to prevent dispute 

" And quarrels all, no booty shall be touched 

" Before the victory is won, and then 

" Authorities, with fairness, will divide 

" The spoil." 2 Such is the law, on oath to be 

Observed by all. 

A Sergeant-at-arms. Your leave, my Lord Provost: 
A messenger from Morat hath arrived 
With news important, 

Von Scharnachthal. Let him come before 
The Senate ! 

(Enters Aloys, covered with dust.) 

What, the herdsman knight ! my Lords : 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 63 

Arise ! Of Unterwalden's sons you see 
The bravest here. 

{All the Senators rise, and look vnth an admiring smile on Aloys.) 

Aloys. My Lords, this message will 
Excuse, I hope, appearance so unfit 
As mine, before a council so august, 
Magnificent, as that of Berne. 

{He gives a letter to the sergeant-at-arms, who presents it to the Lord 

Provost. ) 

Arnold. (In a low voice, to Aloys.) My son, 
Be welcome ! 

Von Hallwyl. Noble boy ! As soon as we 
Have finished here, you come with me. You are 
This day in Berne my guest. A friend of your's 
Is at my house; most gladly she will see 
You there. To-night we march. 

Von Scharnaehthal. Your Lordships' leave ! 

This letter comes from valiant Bubenberg 

Himself. (Reads.) " As long as there a vein within 

Us lives, not one of us will yield. I send ' 

In haste these lines to you, my Lord Provost. 

The messenger, your Lordship, knows. He can 

Relate, in words, what time will not allow 

To write."' 

{To Aloys.) 

My brave Sir herdsman, knight, will please 
Inform us all, what circumstance hath brought 
Him here. 



64 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Aloys. My Lords, excuse a herdsman's simple 
speech ! 
Affairs in Morat gloomily would look, 
If Lord von Bubenberg did not infuse 
In every man his own heroic mind ; 
For yesterday again the town sustained 
A storm terrific. Hell itself appeared 
In rage to have unchained its demons all, 
From South, from East, from West, against the meek 
But faithful town. As if by earthquake shocked — 
The walls and houses trembled. Shot on shot 
Like hail around us fell. A breach was made. 
The enemy with shouts of joy upon 
It rushed, but met a living fence he could 
Not climb. With loss of seven hundred men 
He was repulsed. O'er ditches filled with brush, 
With ladders came the foe, and crowd on crowd 
Arrived, with yells infernal, tried to scale 
The walls. In vain ! My Lord Commander seemed 
To be in every place at once, with words 

Of Fatherland and death for liberty 
Inspiring every soul; and thus the third 
Attempt to storm the town was baffled too ; 
At least a thousand enemies fell in this 
Assault, and Morat still is standing. Hard, 
Indeed, the press is now upon it. Day 

And night the men must work 

Von Scharnachthal. Relief will go 

To-night. 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 65 

( Taking the sword from the table.) 

And now in God Almighty's name ! 
"We take, unsheathe the swords and lift them up 
And swear, that we, like one, will all, for God 
And country fight, avenge injustice done. 
Oh, God ! in mercy help us to defend 
Our land, as Thou hast done so oft before ! 

(All the Senators, with swords uplifted, stand in solemn silence at their 
places. The rays of the setting sun fall upon the scene.) 

SCENE II. 

A garden behind the mansion of John von Hallwyl, on Younker 
street, in Berne. Enter Julia von Bubenbeeg and Rene, Duke of 
Lorraine. 

Julia. And thus, Your Highness says, they rose to 
greet 
The herdsman knight ? 

Rene. The herdsman king, his name 

Should be. Though modest, like a king he stood 

'Midst kings, his equals, spake in language terse, 

Precise, as orator of nature. All 

The Senate listened, spell-bound, to his tale. 

How proud, my Lady, there would you have been, 

To hear him speak of his commander, Lord 

Von Bubenberg, your most illustrious sire ! 

Julia. And not a word of what he did himself. 
6* 



68 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

My "brother writes that, when the breach was made, 
My father was the first to leap into 
The hollow space. The largest gun of siege 
Just glared him in the eye. The burning lunt 

The master gunner lifted to the vent 

The herdsman's arrow pierced his heart, and thus 
Was saved my father. 

Bene. Strange it is ! This youth 

So modest, unassuming he appears 
At first, but when by thought or feeling moved, 
His eyes, like sparks of fire intense, assume 
A lustre, dazzling him who dares to meet 
His look. A mystic spell you feel. Methinks 
The eye of Csesar must have been like his. 

Julia. The freeman's eye ! It beams of love of 
home, 
Of Fatherland and liberty. 

Bene. Alas ! 

Of Fatherland I am deprived. My own, 
My beautiful Lorraine I dare to see 
No more ! 

Julia. Your Highness still may hope. Perhaps 
To-morrow's day will show, what doom awaits, 
Unjust, unreined ambition, thirst of power. 

Bene. Oh, noble lady, fit to wear a crown ! 
"What gratitude I owe to you for all 
The kind regards, the pleading of my cause 
Before your mighty rulers ! "Words in vain 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 67 

Would dare to tell, express, what feels my heart 
For you. Alas ! I have my crown no more. 

Julia. Your Highness maybe sure, I feel with deep 
Regret your loss of country. 

Bene. Pity moves 

Forever woman's heart for others' woe. 

Julia. Your Highness, pity why ? 

Rene. I dare not hope 

For more, but if I had my crown, my land, 
To you, most noble lady, would I be 
So bold to offer all 

Julia. (Starting with surprise.) Your Highness ! 

Rene. Crown — • 

"With heart and hand. 

Julia. Your Highness most serene : 
Indeed, I feel surprised at words so strange, 
And ill prepared to answer compliment 
So flatt'ring, honorable 

Rene. Could I dare 

To hope ? 

Julia. Your Highness' friend sincere I am, 
Shall ever be, but love — 

Rene. You do not feel 

For me. I read it in your eye. I know 
My fate, farewell ! 

(Exit Julia.) 
Farewell, to country, home ! 
Farewell to hope, to love ! Oh, bitter pang 



68 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Of all the worst to say — farewell to love ! 

To plant a heavenly image in the heart. 

Adorn with fancy's colors all its charms ; 

To dream by day and night about the fair 

And lovely form, that, like a fairy, haunts 

The chambers of the soul; — to idolize 

That object more beloved than self, than all 

The world; to concentrate your feelings, thoughts, 

Ambition's wishes, aspirations high 

On her you love — and then to be compelled 

To tear away that image from the heart : 

"What torture! Bleeding roots in vain resist 

The grasp of hands that snatch from you the plant 

So fondly cultured. All the universe 

Becomes a vacuum, dark, immense, without 

A sun, a star, within the soul. 

Farewell 
To love ! Unfortunate Rene ! Unmanned 
I sink beneath the blows of fate. Oh life : 
What burden ! 

(Music in the distance playing a martial air.) 

Hark ! am I myself no more ? 
Have I forgot Lorraine ? Ah, no ! To thee 
My country, still I owe a debt. I must 
Avenge thy wrongs, deliver thee from chains. 
One goal at least I have attained : I dare 
To meet in arms the tyrant of my land. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 69 

Let private grief be hushed for my Lorraine, 
Now whole to her, and all for her — Lorraine ! 

[MriL] 

(Enters Julia.) 

Julia. He's gone. 'Twas well I left. I could not 
trust 
Myself. Poor Duke, so noble, handsome, still 
So young, unfortunate, bereft of all 
He loves ! I felt my heart in pity yield, 
And yet 

(Enter John von Hallwyl and Aloys, in armor, but without helmets.) 

Von Hallwyl. My cousin look ! At last I have 
Prevailed on him to take the armor, sword 
And spurs, becoming knights. The name he will 
Not take. How do you like the change ? 

Julia. I see 

No change but garments mere. 

Von Hallwyl. You know I have 

Appointed him my aid de camp. 

(Enters a page.) 

Page. My Lord 

Von Hertenstein is waiting in the hall 
For orders. 

Von Hallwyl. Well, I leave my friend with you, 
My cousin. 

[Exit] 



70 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Julia. Thus again you have refused 
The title you so well deserve ? 

Aloys. I do 

Not know my name, my origin as yet. 

Julia. But you have won a name, a noble one. 
The house of Bubenberg, with justice, calls 
You now its tutelary knight. You saved 
At first my brother's, then my father's life. 
What can I do for you ? 

Aloys. A lovely smile 

From you, most gracious lady, is reward 
Sufficient for the little I have done. 

Julia. There is a tone of sadness in your voice 
"Which speaks of silent grief. You left a home, 
A beauteous one, my brother says. Is there, 
Perhaps, a being whom your heart regrets ? 
Who is that lovely Mary? 

Aloys. Mary — why ? 

My sister. 
Julia. She your real sister? 

Aloys. ISTo ! 

But such she is to me. 

Julia. I am your friend. 

But tell me, do you love her ? 

Aloys. Mary? yes, 

Most dearly as a sister who, from years 
Of childhood was my playmate. Sweet hath been 
To me her friendship. Radiant beams her smiles 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 71 

Have cast upon the morning of my life. 

'She is as gentle as a dove, so mild, 

So modest, pious, pure, and yet so firm 

In her resolve. She hath her quiet ways, 

A mind well cultured with her country's lore, 

A heart most tender, ever ready to 

Assist the ones in need. She is beloved 

By all — the angel of the house. 

Julia. [Aside.) I fear 

My brother hath in him a rival. {Aloud.) Then 
You feel most happy in your home ? 

Aloys. Alas ! 

That home is not my own. I feel I am 
A stranger there 'midst strangers, kind to me, 
'Tis true. 

Julia. You never loved ? 

Aloys. Alas ! I dare 

Not love ! 

Julia. You dare not love ? The man who dares, 
"With lion heart, to meet the foe, who, like 
A king before the Senate stood, the man 
Of whom our heroes all with high respect 
And admiration speak, yet dares not love ? 

Aloys. My Lady, please forgive ! I feel so sad 
In touching themes like this. I love — but love 
In vain. The one I love is far, too far, 
Above myself. 

Julia. In Unterwalden ? 



72 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Aloys. No ! 

Julia. Then where is she ? 

Aloys. I dare not tell. 

Julia. Not tell 

To me, your friend ? 

Aloys. To yon; oh, no ! I could 

Not dare to be so bold to lift my eyes 

So high ! Excuse my words ! I do not know 
What next may yet escape my lips. I must 
Depart. My heart will break. 

Julia. But stay! You have 

Refused to kneel before my Lord Provost ; 
Will you refuse to wear this scarf I wrought 
For you ? If not — then kneel that I may place 
It on your shoulder, with my hand. The words, 
In gold embroidered here, shall be your own 
Device from hence fore'er : Remember me ! 

Aloys. Remember you ? Could I behold you once 
And then forget you ever ? 

Julia. Kneel, my knight! 

(Aloys kneels down.) 

My colors you shall wear, the white and blue, 
The white of innocence and purity 
The emblem, — blue, of love eternal. 

Aloys. Love ! 

Can this be true ? Oh, should I dare to hope, 
Aspire Is this a dream ? 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 73 

Julia. Arise, and draw 

The sword ! 

Aloys. [Arising, and unsheathing his sword.) 
For God, my country, and 

Julia. For whom ? 

Aloys. For you! 

Julia. For God, your country, and for me, 

Your own forever, Julia J 

SCENE III. 

The street of the Cross, in Berne. Night. The houses are all 
illuminated. Tables covered with all kinds of refreshments are set 
at each side of the street. Women of all classes wait on the march- 
ing troops. In the background the council hall ; a roofed piazza in 
front of it, with stairs ascending on both sides from the street. 
John von Hallwtl, Hanns Waldmann, Caspar von Herten- 
stein, Bene, Duke of Lorraine, the Lord Provost, and the Senate of 
Berne are reviewing the troops from the piazza. As the latter march 
over the scene, those of each Canton separately, they are cheered by 
the multitude. Every Swiss warrior has a red band with a white 
cross on the left arm. 

WAR HYMN OF THE SWISS. 

UEI. 

When foreign hosts invade the sacred soil 
Of Liberty, the Uri horn is first, 
With mighty blast, to call, from peaceful toil, 
The sons of Tell, who all forever thirst 

To die or stand 

For Switzerland, 
Their own, their own most glorious Fatherland. 



74 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

SCHWYTZ. 

The Cross of Schwytz appears in red to show : 3 
Our fathers bought us freedom with their blood. 
The nation's heart with love will ever glow 
For justice, right, and Schwytz will march, with God 

To die or stand 

For Switzerland, 
Our own, our own beloved Fatherland. 

UNTERWALDEN. 

The key of Unterwalden shuts the gate 4 
Of freedom's vales against the tyrant's hand. 
The sons of "Winkelried will share the fate 
Of Liberty's defenders' faithful band, 

Will die or stand 

For Switzerland, 
Their own, their own immortal Fatherland. 

LUCERNE. 

To the rescue, 
To the rescue 
Of the country we come. 
From the mountain, 
From the valley, 
From the castle, the drum 
Is calling the herdsman, the peasant, the knight, 
To march to the field, for the country to fight. 

ZURICH. 

To the rescue, 
To the rescue 
Of the country we come. 
From the hamlet, 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 75 

From the village, 
From the city, the drum 
Is rousing the burghers and artisans all 
lor the league, the eternal, to conquer or fall. 

GLARIS. 

Land of Glaris, show thy banner, 
Naefels saw victorious ! 
Fridolin, thy sainted patron, 
Hence forever glorious, 5 
There appears as thy protector, 
Blessings calling from on high 
On thy sons, to him devoted, 
Eeady for their homes to die. 

ZUG. 

Humbly comes the smallest Canton, 
Least in size, not least in love 
For the Fatherland, the common. 
Like a meek, a modest dove 
Zug appears to need protection 
'Gainst her mighty neighbor's hand ; 
Still, with joy, her sons will ever 
Come to fight for Switzerland. 

BERNE. 

Hail to the brothers arriving, 
Berne in distress to defend ! 
Hail to the Cross, the beloved 
Sign of the Swiss, on the band 
Borne on the arm of the champion 
When, for the league, in a war I 



76 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Hail to the lords and the peasants, 
Coming from near and afar, 
Here to assist in maintaining 
Eight for the home of the Free ! 
Nobles and peasants united, 
Switzers forever will be ! 

CHORUS OP THE EIGHT CANTONS. 

Yea — brothers, Switzers all, and true, as heretofore 
We will be one, be one, be one forevermore! 

( The curtain falls.) 



END OF ACT III. 



ACT IV. 



SCENE I. 

Headquarters of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, before Morat. A 
chamber in the camp-house of the Duke. Time, June 22, 1476, one 
o'clock, A. M. Olivier de la Marche is seen placing a richly gilt 
volume on a small table, before a magnificent camp-bed. Enters 
William, Prince of Orange. 

William. What! so late, 

And still the Duke hath not returned ? 

Olivier. He left 

The tent, an hour ago, to take a last 
Survey of outposts on the South. 

William. The first 

To rise, the last to rest, His Highness seems 
Of matter formed, supernal, different 
From other mortals. Even whilst asleep 
His mind appears to work, not to repose. 

Olivier. Yet all his cheerfulness of former times 

Is gone. That fatal day of Granson changed 

His mood. His confidence in self, his own 
7* „ 



78 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Creative genius, there received a shock 

That lamed the eagle's wings, and now in vain 

He tries to soar to wonted spheres ; but here 

He comes ! His face is flushed. His piercing eye, 

In wrath and anger, seems to glow. 

{Enter Chaeles, Duke of Burgundy ; Thomas, Duke of Somerset 
• Anthony, Ceevecoeub, Rubempee,) 

Charles. ( Throwing himself on an arm-chair.) 

'Tis past 
Endurance ! Here this petty town you can 
Not take. If thus, in things so small, you fail, 
What then must I expect in things of great 
Import ? 

Anthony. My liege and august brother knows, 
That shot and men have not been spared. 

Charles. It seems 

Your shot is made of clay or dust, and all 
Your men are soulless puppets. 

Anthony. Morat's pierced 

And shattered walls, and fallen towers speak, 
In different terms, of all that hath been done. 
What earthly power can sustain this town, 
I cannot say. 

(Enters Count Campobasso.) 

Charles. I hope you bring at last 
The answer I expect, from him I once 
With favors showered, whom, in friendship bound 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 79 

To me, I always thought. What message sends, 
By flag of truce, my valiant Bubenberg? 
Will he surrender? 

Campobasso. No, my liege ! he begs 

Your Highness to remember but the wor d 

Charles. What word ? 

Campobasso. Thermopylae ! 

Charles. Leonidas — 

He wants to play. By Sainted George ! he shall 
Not have the chance. I know the stuff of which 
That man is made. In purpose firm as rocks, 
I do regret to have his like against me. Since 
I learned that he, my former friend, commands 
The town, I comprehend, the task is great, 
Immense, to crush a mind like his. My name 
Shall not, with that of Xerxes, go to times 
To come. I wish for contest fair. The boors 
Of Berne who dare to call themselves the lords, 
I long to humble, crush, avenge the foul 
Disgrace my fright'ned troops for once did bring 
On mo and my, till then, unconquered arms. 
But Bubenberg I wish to spare. We need 
Pursue the siege no more. I am informed, 
The forces of the Swiss are on the march. 
In fair and open field, I wish to meet — 
Defeat them. Tricks of cunning I despise. 
The Lion of Bourgogne will not to ruse 
Ignoble condescend. 



80 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Anthony. My liege, forgive 
My boldness ! "Well it would havel)een, I think, 
To act, with sentiment so noble, fair, 
Towards that brave and unsuspecting band 
Surrend'ring Granson's castle, on the word 
Of promise given by 

Charles. {Furious.) "Who dares to speak 
Of things like these, remind me of mistakes 
I did not make? The garrison was hung, 
As I had ordered ; none had right to grant 
A pardon, in my name. 

Anthony. 'Twas Konchant's deed, 

I know. He trusted in Tour Highness' great 
And gen'rous mind. 

Campobasso. My liege most high was right 

To make example of that stubborn band, 
And show the boors, what fate awaits them all, 
If they will dare to vex the lion proud. 

Anthony. The natt'rer's honeyed tongue I will 
not use. 
I do regret for fair Burgundy's name, 
The act that hath exasperated all 
Our foes to fight with lion's wrath. 

Campobasso. My Lord 

Would be, perhaps, a little more correct 
[n saying, that they fight like bears — the beasts 
Of Berne. 

Anthony. Like wounded bears, they fought, indeed, 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 81 

And forced us to retreat. I think the host, 
Arrayed against us, must not be despised. 
The Swiss are valiant, coarse and boorish, true ! 
But love of country is their virtue high ; 
And let us not forget, that Habsburgh's pride 
Was humbled deeply by their sturdy arms ! 

Charles. And Habsburgh's scion now, alike a hound 
That licks the hand which beats him, fawns in dust 
Before his victors, nay ! he even sends 
His troops to help the boors against the prince, 
Defender of the rights of crowns. I grant 
That fortune once forsook us on that day 
At Granson, but, my valiant friends, before 
Whom Prance is trembling, you to whom 
The king of England owes his throne, the men 
Before whom- fell Liege, and at the sight 
Of whom Lorraine hath disappeared, you will 
Avenge your prince on vile and haughty boors. 
Shall chivalrous Bourgogne, her honor see 
Defiled, my father's mem'ry trodden down 
In filth, by coarse and vulgar hands ? I say 
It shall not be ! Arise ! We will now take 
Revenge for you and for myself. 'Tis not 
For conquering lands I take the sword. I long 
To fight for honor now. My friends shall have 
The spoil. I promise, they shall dwell in Berne's 
And Friburgh's mansions. All what the}?', the boors 
Have heaped of plunder, robbed from us, shall be 



82 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Your own. By Sainted George ! revenge we'll have 
On perjured rascals, knaves 1 

Anthony. My liege ! 

Charles. I will 

Not bear reply, and now I wish to be 
Alone. 

{Exeunt all except Chaeles.) 

Charles. [After a pause.) 

Alone — In truth I am in all 
The world! No equal to myself — the thought 
Is grand, imperial. Thus to look, with eye 
Majestic, down, from Alpine height, on all 
My species, kings and princes, boors ; to have 
Them all arrayed against myself alone, 
Like furious waves that splash against the rock ; 
To keep in awe the world; to rule with will 
Of iron strength the will of those around 
Me, who, like pigmies yield to giants strong : 
'Tis glorious ! Still I feel not happy, long 
For more. I long for friendship true, for one 
With soul as great as nature breathed into 
My being. Where is she, the like of mine, 
Amongst my fellow-rulers, kings ? In vain 
I look for great and noble souls. The king 
Of France is great alone in craft, intrigue, 
And longing to bereave me of my lands. 
Oh, that I once had crushed the false, the vile 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 83 

And treach'rous snake, when, in my hands, before 
Liege, I held him captive ! He hath brought 
This broil of mine, with Switzerland, with Berne 
About. Oh, Berne ! I hate thy name. 'Tis thou 
Alone that dared to fling the gauntlet bold 
Into my face with proud defiance. Berne — 
I will yet crush thy lords. Magnificent 
They call themselves. Magnificent shall naught 
Be called, in this my age, besides the name 
Of bold Bourgogne ! 

{After musing in silence for a while.) 

The Emperor ? He's false 
And jealous, hates to see the court I hold, 
Eclipse his own in splendor. Habsburgh's blood 
Betrays the boor from whom it comes. Though oft 
Arrayed against the Swiss, the Habsburgh comes 
Himself from boorish Switzer's source, a count 
Of small and poor estate, whom chance and priests 
Exalted to imperial rank. Oh, let 
This war but once be ended, then I will 
With France and Habsburgh settle! They shall 

feel 
The lion's paw, and Burgundy shall yet 
Extend from sea to sea, in East and "West; 
Myself her Caesar I will be. Let all 
The world in hate arise 'gainst Charles! What 

needs't 
Thou fear? Ccesarem vehis! 



84 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

(A tap on the door is heard. ) 

Who is there, 
That dares to disobey my orders, come 
So late as this to vex, disturb me now ? 

(Enters Asteadamus, the astrologer.) 

Astradamus. Your Highness wished to see me ? 

Charles. Ah ! 'tis you, 

My learned doctor, true ! I sent for you. 
What say the stars to-night ? 

Astradamus. The stars are dumb ; 

The sky is overcast with clouds. 

Charles. And thus 

The stars, like cowards lazy, hide themselves 
When wanted most. 

Astradamus. Forbear, my liege ! Do not 

Accuse the stars ! They govern men, but God 's 
Above the stars. Though things on earth may 

change, 
And dynasty to dynasty succeed, 
Though revolutions, wars and earthquakes may 
The surface of this planet shake, the stars 
Remain the same. The six most brillliant eyes 
Of Ursa major look with ever calm 
Indifference on things, events, that here 
On earth will stir the hearts and minds of men ; 
And Aldebaran's near Orion's van 
As on Creation's day. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 85 

Charles. I know your lore. 

"Pis not for speech, like this, I called you here., 
But tell me, when and where you saw my own ? 
My guardian star, of late ? 

Astradamus. "When last I saw 

It — there it was on zenith's height, eclipsed 
In brilliancy the stars of rulers all. . 
In vain a neb'lous circle tried to dim 
Its lustre for a time, 

Charles. By Sainted George ! 

It never shall ! Before another sun 
Hath set, its brightness shall eclipse the stars 
Of all that, in my age, have dared to cross 
My path. 

Astradamus. I hope it will be so, but still, 
My liege, remember what I said: Astra 
Regunt homines, sed regit astra 
JDeus ! 

Charles. You may withdraw ! 'Tis all I wished 
To know of you. 

{Exit ASTEADAMUS.) 

The old adage ! "When man 
Becomes perplexed in thoughts and problems deep, 
He cannot solve — then will he talk of God. 
Is there a God? Oh, question most profound ! 
Portentous thought that often will impede 
My greatest schemes ! If what the priests have 
taught 



86 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Me, from my youth, be true, and Christ be God, 
Then who shall have a chance more bright than I 
Before that God ? Is there a land in which 
His temples are as splendid as in mine ? 
Have I not prayed, and prayed, as much as do 
His priests the most devout, the Office read, 
And Mass attended every day ? Have I 
Eot vowed to free the Holy Land, as soon 
As all my foes, here in the West, should be 
Subdued ? Have I not honored Church and priest, 
And Saints, and holy relics ? Where is found 
A land with greater justice ruled than mine ? 
Have I oppressed my subjects? No! To all — 
The rich, the poor, I wish to be a friend, 
A father. Why that God should be against 
Myself, I cannot understand. My wealth 
I have bestowed to deck His shrines with all 
The costliest tissues, jewels. Who will find, 
In royal chapels, ostensorium 
Like mine ? 

{After a pause) 

And yet, in spite of all this, doubt, 
Most cruel doubt, will oft besiege my mind. 
I see so much of falsehood, mixed with all 
That wears religious colors. Pride, intrigue, 
And lust, hypocrisy, and love of gain, 
Are hidden under cloaks most sacred. Why — 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 87 

If there be such, a God, who hateth sin, 
Doth He allow His own defenders, priests, 
Belie His law and precepts by their lives fB 
I've ponder'd, ponder'd over this so oft, 
And other problems, still more difficult, 
And all the pang of thinking leaves me here, 
In mist of darkness. 

Man — for what design 
Mysterious hath he been created ? "Who 
Can tell ? Might he not be, as sages said, 
Of old — himself a part of what the priest 
Is calling God ? Am I a God ? 

But truce 
To metaphysic musing now ! I need 
Some rest, some sleep. Whate'ei* I am, I am 
Myself alone in species ; trust I must 
Alone in force within myself. My mind 
I must infuse into my host, that will, 
That conquering strength which Csesar, Hannibal r 
And Alexander would infuse into 
Their legions. Who shall dare to ^cope with me ? 

{Me lies down and falls asleep. The scene darkens. The tapestry, in 
the background, is slowly withdrawn, and, in a tableau, is: 
shown — 

THE DREAM OF CHARLES THE BOLD. 

( The forest of Banft is seen through a rosy mist. Nicholas of the 
Flue, Mart, and Lily are kneeling before a simple wooden 
Cross, erected before the hermitage. The orchestra accompa- 



88 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

nies, in a slow and solemn symphony, the chanting of the 
prayers. ) 

Lily. Redeemer mine 

In Heav'n above, 
Before Thy sign 
Of bounteous love, 
At break of day, 
I call on Thee, 
And humbly pray, 
Preserve to. me 
A father's life ! 
With mighty hand, 
In bloody strife, 
My native land 
Protect against 
A haughty foe, 
By pride incensed, 
To strike the blow 
Of Death to all 
Who will defend, 
At Freedom's call, 
My Fatherland ! 

Mary. Before Thy throne 

We sink in dust, 
Oh, God ! Alone 
In Thee we trust. 
The foe may boast, 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 89 

With haughty pride, 
Of all his host : 
We pray — abide 
With us, oh, God ! 
As sinners — we 
Deserve the rod, 
But still to Thee, 
In anguish — wo, 
We fly to pray : 
In grace bestow 
Thy help this day 
On those who go, 
With sword in hand, 
Against the foe 
Of Switzerland! 

Nicholas of the Flue. [Arising with hands wplifted } 

and turning his eyes on Charles.) 

Thus saith the Lord 
Of Hosts, by all 
In Heav'n adored : 
The proud will fall 
And lose his throne ; 
Like grass his lines, 
They shall be mown. 
Before My shrines 
The humble, meek 
The trusting child 

8* 



90 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

That comes to seek 
A father mild — 
Alone I will 
Exalt and hear. 
My Mercy still 
On those that fear 
My name, and keep 
My will — My Law 
In rev'rence deep, 
In holy awe — 
I will impart, 
Bestow my grace. 
The pure in heart 
Shall see my face ! 

(End of the dream.) 

Charles. (Awakening, rises from his couch, looks hag- 
gardly around, and sluggers over the scene.) 

A child, a woman, and a hermit old ! 

Is this a dream of warning purport, or 

A whim of evil spirits, used to scare 

A weak and superstitious coward ? Ah ! 

You missed your mark. And y et this chant so weird, 

In mournful echoes lingers in my soul. 

Away with vain forebodings ! Charles : art thou 

A child? 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. '91 

(He rings a bell. A page appears with a small package in his hand.) 

A cup of wine! How is the night? 

Page. Your Highness most serene, the day begins 
To dawn. It raineth still. 

Charles. What have you here ? 

Page. The messenger from Ghent hath brought — 

Charles. From Ghent ? 

'Tis from the Duchess, I suppose 

(Exit page. Breaking open the package, and taking out a miniature 
richly incased in jewels.) 

Ah, no ! 

(Kissing the miniature.) 

My child, my darling Mary, pride of all 
Bourgogne ! What sweet surprise ! How beautiful ! 
How like herself ! A noble prize for which 
Tarent, Savoy, and Austria, England, France — 
Are vieing with each other, who may win 
Thy heart and hand, now Europe's richest boon. 

(Be-enters the page, and presents a golden cup to the Duke, who 
drinks,) 

Charles. (To the page.) 
'Tis time my generals should meet. You may 
To council call them here. 

(Exit page. Charles opens a letter and reads .) 

" Illustrious sire 
"And most beloved father ! Here I send 



92 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

"Your faithful daughter's likeness, which, I hope, 

«' You will be pleased to see. I think of you, 

"Dear father, day and night, and wish to be 

" Forever at your side. Oh, that I might 

"Again behold you once at Dijon's court! 

" I felt so happy there with you. Alas ! 

"That war should tear you from your child, and 

keep 
" My heart in constant fear for you ! I wish 
" You could have shunned this strife with Switzer- 
land. 
" A dream I had, some nights ago, hath filled 
" My soul with strange and dark presentiment. 
"I saw a child, a recluse old and feeble, with 
"A youthful virgin pray before a Cross 

"Against my own beloved father." 

What! 
This dream, the very one I had myself! 
Is then the world of spirits, too, in league 
Against my house ? My child, my lovely child, 
My only true devoted friend, must thou 
"With fancies strange in slumbers be disturbed ? 
I'll show to-day that dreams will but deceive 
The ones that have no faith in self. 

And yet, 
I wish, my child, that thou wert here with me. 
Thy presence, like a soothing breeze, to calm 
Will ever bring the stormy waves within 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB 93 

My soul, when I am crossed, in lofty schemes, 
By dull and common-place, or stubborn minds. 
But here my generals come. I must defer 
The reading of thy dear epistle, child ! 
To moments of repose. 

(Enter Akthont, Thomas, Duke of Somerset ; William, Prince of 
Orange; Crevecoeuk, Campobasso, Olivier de la Maeche.) 

"What prospect now 
Have we for meeting with the foe to-day ? 
Are things prepared as I have ordered ? 

Anthony. Yes, 

My liege. The Count of Romont holds with force 
The western shore of Morat's lake, and will 
Arrive in time to fall upon the right, 
The weakest flank the foe hath to oppose. 

Charles. 'Tis one advantage we shall have this time ; 
The foe will be obliged to come on plain, 
On even ground, and not, according to 
His custom, fight in narrow defile, where, 
With one to three of us, he dared to brave 
My valiant host. 

Somerset. And cavalry will here, 

At least, now be of some avail. I think 
The foe is weak in horse. 

Campobasso. He hath of them 
A handsome number, led, I learned, by Count 
Yon Thierstein, Duke Rene, and 



94 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Charles. What, the boy 

Lorraine, is he with them ? 

Campobasso. The same, my liege. 

Charles. The houses Anjou, Habsburgh, and the 
boors 
Of Berne : what combination strange ! But do 
You know what force, in numbers, they can bring, 
To bear upon our own? 

Anthony. I cannot say. 

No gold can buy the meanest churl to act 
As spy. 

Campobasso. A scout, of Lombardy, by birth, 
But versed in German tongue, whom I had sent 
In peasant's garb to Berne but yesterday, 
Hath just returned. He thinks the foe must be 
At least some thirty thousand strong. 

Charles. The odds 

Are then for us; and now, my Lords, let all 
Be done as I have ordered ! When the Swiss 
Appear, receive them well with shot ! A hedge 
Towards the south will hide, protect our men. 
The infantry, in columns deep and dense, 
Will stand behind, in order to repel 
The foes, if they should dare to come, advance 
Up to the cannons' mouths. And now, though kings 
And princes, boors and stars, and spirits, dreams — 
May try to cast the darksome cloud of fear 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 95 

Around the soul of Charles, their efforts shall 
Be vain. Bourgogne, forever live Bourgogne ! 
All. Bourgogne, Bourgogne, forever live Bour- 
gogne ! 

(Music in the camp playing the national air of Burgundy.) 

SCENE II. 

A forest on the summit of a hilly ridge, south of Morat. The van 
of the Swiss army on the right side, extending to the background. 
To the left, in the distance, the tents of the Burgundian camp ; and 
beyond the latter the lake of Morat. 

Von Hallwyl surrounded by Aloys, Duke Rene, Count von 
Thierstein, William Herter, and Arnold Im Grund are in the 
foreground. 

Von Hallwyl. [Addressing the troops.) 
" Most valiant men, confederates in one 
Eternal league united : there — before 
You, are your brothers' murderers of Brie 
And Granson. They have cast the lot upon 
Your land, your wives and children at Lausanne. 
You wish revenge for this. You see them there, 
In numbers strong. Remember well this day, 
Confederates, this day — the same on which 
A hundred thirty-seven years ago, 
Our fathers met the foe on Laupen's field ! 
And, though in numbers less than he, their arms 
United conquered all. That God who gave 
Them victory is still the same, and still 



96 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 

There breathes in you the same undaunted mind. 

Let every one of you then fight, as if 

The day's success, the commonwealth of all 

Confederates, the weal of all he loves, 

"Were placed into his hands alone. And now, 

Oh, brothers ! so that He who did assist 

Our fathers may His help on us bestow, 

Collect your inmost thoughts and let us pray ! 2 " 

(All kneel down, and remain with arms outspread and eyes uplifted 
during the prayer. Von Hallwtl holds the standard of the 
Confederacy (a white Greek cross in a red field) in his left hand. 

Von Hallwyl. Almighty everlasting God and Lord 
Of hosts, eternal Judge of nations all : 
Before Thy throne we here prostrate ourselves, 
And humbly pray for help. Without Thine arm 
"We can do naught, but Thou art mighty, strong, 
And wilt assist Thy children in distress. 
"We trust in Thee, through Christ's redeeming death. 

Arnold Im Grand. Our Father, Thou who art in 
Heav'n above, 
Most hallowed be Thy name ! Thy kingdom come ! 
Thy will be done on earth as it is done 
In Heaven ! Give us this day our daily bread ! 
Forgive our sins, as we forgive to those 
That sin against ourselves, and lead us not 
Into temptation, but deliver us 
From evil ! Amen ! 

All. Amen ! 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 97 

(The sun breaks through the clouds at this moment.) 

Von Hallwyl. ]STow arise ! 

Arise ! You see that God Himself will light 
Us on the way. Remember now jour wives 
And children ! Youths of Switzerland : will you 
Allow that foreign arms should e'er possess 
The ones you love ? 

( They all arise and advance in a dense line. The cann'on begins to 
roar in the distance. Music playing martial airs. During 
the noise, shouts, cheers, and tumult of the battle, the scene 
changes.) 

SCENE III. 

The interior of the great Minster cf St. Vincent, in Berne. Night. 
The church is crowded by women, children, and decrepit old men, 
all on their knees. A black curtain is drawn between the Sanctuary 
and the congregation. A large, white Latin cross is seen on the 
curtain. Three priests, in white surplices, are kneeling before the 
railing, at the sides of which a few tapers are burning. The organ 
elowly accompanies the chant of the priests. 

De profundis Domine: 
Omnes ad Te hodie 
Veniraus clamantes. 
Rex, Creator omnium 
Angelorum, hominum : 
Audi nos orantes ! 

9 



08 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Voces nostras non sperne, 
Sancte Deus aeterne, 
Judex nationum ! 
Tanto in periculo. 
Dona nostro populo, 
Vi precationum, 
Et per Tuam gratiam, 
Domine : victoriam, 
Pacem diuturnam ! 
Regni Tui gloria, 
Et Misericordia, 
Sanctum Tuum nomen — 
Semper sint perpetua, 
Omnia per saecula 
Saeculorum, Amen! 3 

(A pause during which all remain in solemn silence.) 

A single voice from the choir. Eyrie eleison! 
Eyrie eleison ! 

Chorus. Kyri-e 
Eleison ! 

( The dawn begins to break through the upper windows. Music is heard, 
at first in the distance, then coming nearer and nearer. Shouts 
of victory are heard from without.) 

Another voice from the choir. 

Christe, Christe, eleison ! 
(Enter John von Hallwtl, Adrian von Bubeneeeg, Nicholas 

VON SCHAENACHTHAL, HANNS WALDMANN, ALOYS, EdWABD 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 99 

VON BlTBENBERG, ARNOLD Im GrUND, RUDOLPH VON ERLACH, 

Duke Rene, Oaspab von Hertenstein, /oKowed by the Sen- 
ators of Berne and a crowd of soldiers, all walking with heads 
uncovered, through the middle aisle. John von Hallwyl 
bears, in his right hand, the ducal standard of Burgundy. 
When the procession reaches the centre of the church, the cur- 
tain is slowly withdrawn from the Sanctuary, and the altar 
appears entirely illuminated. All present prostrate themselves. 
Von Hallwyl advances towards the railing, and places the 
conquered banner at the foot of the altar. One of the priests 
intones the " Gloria." Above the Crucifix in the middle of the 
altar appear, in large, brilliant characters the words : 

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS 
DEO! 

Whilst the choir chant the first part of the " Gloria in excelsis" the 
curtain falls.) 



END OP ACT IV. 



ACT V, 



SCENE I. 

The forest of Kanft. Before the hermitage of Nicholas of the 
Flue. Arnold Im Getjnjd, Mary, Hanns Zumbrunnen of Uri, 
Dietrich Inderhalden of Schwytz, Henry Zelger, of Unter- 

walden. 

Nicholas. Be welcome, friends, here in my solitude ! 

Arnold. We come to ask you for advice about 
The welfare of the land. 

Nicholas. What now ? The land, 

It is at peace at last. Ycur neighbors all, 
The king of France, the Emperor, the Duke 
Of proud Milan, the Duchess of Savoy, 
They all with deep respect, and most of them 
With fear, behold the valiant Switzer's League, 
And Charles the Bold is now no more. 

Arnold. He was 

A noble foe. Indeed I grieved to hear, 
With what an awful end he met at last ; 

9* 101 



102 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

A fate that ought to teach forever all 
Ambition's victims blind, that none do sit 
So safe and firm on solid thrones, that, stood 
The storms of ages, yet may fall, decay, 
And crumble into dust. 

Nicholas. Th' Almighty's see 

Alone remains unmoved. Before His throne, 
His judgment seat, the nations all appear, 
And onward pass into oblivion, if 
Their hands are stained with guilt, injustice, wrong, 
And blood untimely shed. The end of Charles, 
To princes not alone may teach, that thirst 
For ruling power, once will bring disgrace 
Upon their heads. 

Arnold. 'Tis true we are at peace 

With all around us. Oh ! that God would grant 
We were at peace amongst ourselves. 

Mary. I fear, 

The great success with which the Swiss have kept 
Their foes at bay, for generations now, 
Will fill their hearts with pride and vain conceit 
That leadeth, soon or late, to deeds unjust. 

Nicholas. I understand, contentions now arise 
Amongst the Cantons all, about the spoils 
The victory o'er Charles has thrown into ■* 

The Switzers' hands. 

Arnold. My Brother Claus speaks well. 

I wish that all the booty, seized from Charles, 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 103 

"Were buried deep in Morat's lake, in which 
His soldiers were engulphed. But now what can 
Be done ? Our youth are mad by thirst of gold. 

Zumbrunnen. 'Tis not the only cause of wild dispute 
Amongst the Cantons now; you know that oft, 
When deputies from all the League would meet, 
On council days to act, deliberate 
On common weal, the Forest Lands would have 
To feel the overbearing haughty airs 
Of deputies from cities rich and proud. 

Zelger. And often we, the simple herdsman, have 
Been drawn, against our will and wish, into 
The brawls and petty quarrels, which the lords 
And burghers would incite amongst themselves. 
'Tis hard for us, the founders of the League, 
For TJri, Schwytz, and Unterwalden now, 
To be dictated to by those who owe 
Their strength: to oar assistance. 

Inderhalden. Neither have 

The Forest Lands forgotten yet the vile 
And shameful treachery of Zurich which, 
For fifteen years, seceded from the League, 
And warred against her brethren, joined their foes. 

Nicholas. The past is gone. For this offence the 
pride 
Of Zurich hath been humbled ; but of late, 
She acted nobly for the League with you. 
When civil war is o'er, the sooner you 



104 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 

Forget, forgive the mutual wrongs, the more 
You will enhance your bliss; the stronger will 
Become the tie 'midst brothers reconciled. 

Zumbrunnen. The cities of Soleure and Friburgh 
now 
Present themselves before the Diet of 
The land, and humbly ask to be allowed 
To join the Switzers' mighty League. 

Nicholas. For you 

Their warriors fought, on Morat's day. 

Inderhalden. But Berne, 

Lucerne and Zurich wildly claim for them 
The right to be admitted. Still, methinks, 
"With reasons sound, the Forest Lands object 
To see so many cities in the League. 

Zclgcr. The Forest Cantons, too, have been refused 
The share they claim from conquered spoil. In vain 
The Diet hath assembled, several times, 
To bring about a friendly end to all 
Dispute. The cities will not yield. "What shall 
Become of us, I do not know. 

Nicholas. I hope 

That, envy, greedy selfishness, and mean 
Desire of wealth will nevermore succeed 
In bringing ruin on the sacred League. 
My worthy friends must trust in God, and pray 
That lie may guide them on their duty's path. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 105 

Zumbrunnen, Inderhalden, and Zelger. 
We will, most worthy Brother Claus. 

Arnold. And ask 

To be remembered in your pray'rs. Farewell! 

{Exeunt all but Mary, who looks somewhat embarrassed.) 

Nicholas. What ails my child ? This sadness I've 
observed 
For weeks. Thou art not well ; thy face is pale, 
Thy eyes are red, as if from weeping. Speak 
To me, my child ! " 

Mary. [Bursting into tears.) Oh, father, can I help 
It, being much alarmed? Two years have now 
Elapsed since Aloys and 

Nicholas. Edward, Lord 

Von Bubenberg, have gone to Palestine. 

Mary. And now for thirteen months, no news hath 
come. 

Nicholas. Thou art mistaken, child. Be cheerful ! 
Both 
Will soon return. A pilgrim from the East 
Was here but yesterday. He saw them both, 
And sound in health, in Venice safely land. 

Mary. Oh, thanks, my worthy father ! God be 
praised ! 
They did not fall, as I have feared, into 
A corsair's hands. 

Nicholas. Indeed, myself, I much 



106 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Rejoice at their return. They will be rich 
In pious lore from Holy Land. 'Twas well 
For them to have escaped from passions fierce, 
Aroused within the breasts of Switzers now, 
By love of plunder, envy, avarice, 
Which, like a plague, are threatening the land. 

Mary. Oh! father, is it true, and must it come 
To pass ? Is there no help ? Is Switzerland 
To be a prey to fell dissension ? 

Nicholas. Child ! 

I hope it not. May God Almighty guide — 
Direct our rulers' hearts ! 

Mary. Oh, father ! pray 

To God for us, for this, our dearest home, 
Our Fatherland ! 

Nicholas. I will, my child, do thou 
The same ! 

SCENE II. 

A chamber in the mansion of Bubenberg, in Berne. Adrian is 
reclining on a large arm-chair ; Julia, kneeling at his side, and hold ■ 
ing one of his hands in hers. 

Julia. My father, speak! I cannot bear 
Suspense. Is there no hope ? 

Adrian. My child, I fear 

My days are number'd. 

Julia. No ! it cannot be. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 107 

You are not old. You must, you will get well 
Again. 

Adrian. Alas ! for thee, my daughter, I 
Would gladly wish it could be thus. I am 
Not old in years, and yet how old in sad 
Experience, disappointment's bitter pangs ! 
Ingratitude hath been my share for all 
I've done. I'm tired of the world, with all 
Its vain delusive show, pretence and base 
Hypocrisy. 

Julia. My father, please be calm ! 
"Pis not for self that you have lived and worked. 
Your country, Berne, the whole of Switzerland, 
"Will ever bless your name, uphold your high, 
Your noble, matchless sacrifice of self 
Unto her youth, in future days, and stir 
Their souls, with patriotic zeal and flame, 
To follow your example. 

Adrian. Glory, fame, 

Renown : what sounds so hollow, empty on 
The verge of dark eternity ! My child, 
Disturb me not, in time so solemn, now, 
"With words of vain, self-glorious praise. I have 
Confessed, and am prepared to die. Oh, that 
My son were here, my blessing to receive ! 

Julia. I must beseech you, father, banish from 
Your mind the mournful thought of death ! 
You still may live for years. The vigor of 



108 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE 

Your frame is, surely, not yet gone. Oh ! let 
Me cheer you up again ! 

(A knock at the door is heard; Julia arises; enter John von HALL- 
WYL.) 

Adrian. So soon, my friend ? 

Von Halhoyl. I heard hut now, you sent for me. 
I came 
At once. 

Adrian. My child, I wish to see my friend 
Alone. 

Julia. I will withdraw. 

{Exit.) 

Adrian. I sent for you. 
I do not wish my child should ever know 
The secret of my talk, and yet 

Von Hallwyl. "What now ? 

You hesitate 

Adrian. You always were my friend. 
I will confess to you, what heavy weight 
Is on my heart. 

Von Hallwyl. Your confidence is dear 
To me. 

Adrian. I feel that death approaches me. 
I should depart with ease, if I could leave 
My children free from care. Alas ! it can 
Not he. My wealth is gone. I am involved 
In debt, and most of mine estate is now 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 109 

Most heavily encumber'd. War, expense 

For travel, embassies, and want of care, . • 

And gen'rous trust in others brought me down 

To this. My daughter loves a noble youth, 

You know. She is betroth'd to him. He soon 

May now return and claim her hand. Alas ! 

Von Hallwyl. "What then, my friend ? 

Adrian. The child of Bubenberg, 

My child is portionless. Her father's name 
Will be disgraced. He dies insolvent ; more 
Than this — the felon's doom awaits his last 
Remains, his ashes 1 

Von Hallwyl. Never ! no, this shall 
Not be, as long as Berne will stand on her 
Foundation. All I have, I pledge for you. 
Your daughter, leave unto my care ! The name x 
Of Bubenberg, the noblest name of Berne, 
Shall still remain untarnished, and yourself 
Repose within the vault of your renowned 
Ancestors. 

Adrian. Thanks to God ! I have not been 
Mistaken in my friend. My darling child 
Will not to insult, suffering, be exposed. 
My son will soon return from Palestine. 
He hath a sword to carve his way ; he is 
A man, but Julia, my daughter 

Von Hallwyl. Shall 

Not want, shall be provided for. Myself 
10 



110 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

I will adopt her. Berne : what shame, disgrace 
Woulds't thou deserve to let thy saviour's child, 
Thy noblest ornament, be brought to ill ! 

Adrian. Oh, God of mercy, thanks ! for now I can 
Depart in peace. My friend, you have restored 
To me the trust in man, in friendship true. 
But oh ! my pride is humbled into dust ; 
A Bubenberg — a beggar! 

Von Hallwyl. No ! I represent 

But Berne, your country, which can never pay 
The debt she owes to you. I beg my friend 
Not to alarm, but calm himself about 
His children's future. Now far different themes 
I have to call your mind to ponder on. 
Most serious news hath come this morning from 
Lucerne. The Forest Lands are raving mad 
Against the cities. Thus the Diet hath 
Again adjourned, and met without success. 

{Enter Julia.) 

Julia. Forgive my interrupting you. My Lords 
Von Stein, von Erlach, and von Scharnachthal 
Have come, and urgently request to see 
You. 

Adrian. Now? 

Von Hallwyl. I know they come to ask for your 
Advice about the country's weal. Von Stein 
Hath just returned this morning from Lucerne. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. Ill 

Adrian. Admit my Lords ! 

Julia. But, father, yon are ill. 

Their visit will excite you. 

Adrian. Hush, my child ! 

In life or death — my country first ! 

{Enter Peteemann von Stein, Nicholas von Schaenachthal, and 
Rudolph von Eelach.) 

Von Erlach. Our eyes, 

My Lord, are gladdened by the sight of you. 

Von Scharnachthal. I hope you feel relieved from 
fever's grasp. 

Von Stein. The pride of Berne you are. Your life 
is dear 
To all her children. 

Adrian. Thanks, my noble Lords ! 

What tidings from Lucerne ? 

Von Erlach. Most threat'ning for ' 

The League. 

Adrian. The League ? 

Von Stein. The Forest Cantons will 

Not yield a single point. Their wrath against 
Lucerne and Zurich, Berne, for daring to 
Ally themselves with Friburgh and Soleure, 
Hath swelled, increased to madness, rage. They say 
That forming leagues, with lands or towns, is 'gainst 
The covenant that binds the Cantons all. 
Adrian. The Forest Lands, in fact, are clinging to 



112 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

The letter's strictest sense. We know it all i 
The covenant of the eternal. League 
Was formed with this condition. 

Von Stein. What shall we 

The cities, strongest in the League, shall we 
The nobles, yield, submit to boors? 

Adrian. Is there 

Another way ? 

Von Stein. The League may be dissolved. 
We can secede. 

Adrian Secede, from what ? 

Von Stein. The League I 

Adrian. Secede ! Oh, God ! Is it for this that I 
Have fought and bled ? Secede ! Oh, thought con- 
ceived 
In Hell! Oh! heresy most damning! What, 
Dissolve the League eternal ? Who hath dared 

( Arising from his seat. ) 

To utter words like these to me, a lord 
Of Berne, a Bubenberg, a Switzer's son ? 

[He falls exhausted on his chair.) 

Julia. For Heaven's sake! You kill my father 

thus. 
Von Stein. Forgive ! I did not think it would 
affect 
Him so. 

Von Erlach. What shall the cities 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 113 

Adrian. Yield — I say — 

Submit to all to save the League ! The boors — 
You call them ? Ah, the noble hearts that felt 
And beat for us ! And must it come to this, 
That they should be despised and scorned, because 
Their sturdy hands that fought for us, for Berne, 
Must till the soil, in time of peace, to gain 
Their daily bread ! The boors ? Are they not men 
Like us, created with immortal souls, 
To God accountable for all their deeds 
And thoughts? Oh! friends, remember how con- 
tempt 
For lowly caste hath brought the haughty down 
Into the dust — remember Charles the Bold ! 

Von Stein. 'Tis not their calling we despise, but we 
Object to be exposed to insult coarse 
And language rude, their delegates did heap 
Upon the courteous knights and noble lords 
Who met with them in council. More than this, 
Not we, but they, the Forest Lands, were first 
To threaten with secession from the towns. 

Adrian. ISTo matter who they were that utter'd first 
The word of treason to the League, they all 
Deserve the nation's fullest curse. The League! 
It must forever be preserved, and last 
As long as yonder snow-capped mountains stand. 

Von Hallwyl. The Forest Lands were founders of 

the League : 
10* 



114 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

For years they held at bay their foes, without 
The help of Zurich, Berne, Lucerne. 

Von Stein. Have not 

Your fathers fought against them, too ? Methinks, 

Your house hath sided long with Habsburgh 

Von Hallwyl. True ! 

But Hallwyl's scion learned to love, respect 
The sterling virtues of the peasants in 
The Forest Lands, their honest purpose, clear, 
Straightforward way, in action and in thought. 
I am their friend. 

Adrian. And so am I. They may 

Be blunt in speech and obstinate in will; 
But whosoever knows them well, will find 
Their hearts as true as steel. 

Julia. Oh, father, thanks ! 

I know you are your country's warmest friend ; 
I love to hear you speak of those to whom 
"We owe so much. 

Von Scharnachthal. We much regret that you 
Are ill, my Lord. Your power, influence 
Amongst the Forest Lands is great. ISTot one 
Of us, the nobles here, would better suit 
To undertake an embassy to all 
The Forest Cantons. You are loved, revered, 
By herdsman and by peasant there, and might 
To peaceful issue bring contentions all. 
We are suspected. 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 115 

Adrian. You, suspected, why ? 

Von Scharnachthal. They cast reproach on up, 
because they think 
Or fancy, that the nobles ever look 
With supercilious contempt upon 
Their rustic manners, customs, 

Adrian. "Well! perhaps, 

They are not wrong in this. I often warned 
The youth of Berne, the nobles to avoid 
To give offence, by haughty sneer, to those 
That are by birth not noble. Why ? Above 
All things, the nobleman must show himself 
A noble man, magnanimous in deed 
And sentiment, in lofty virtues give 
Example to the lowly, ignorant; 
Be courteous, kind, forbearing to the ones 
That earn, by daily toil, their bread, be just 

rfi„ ii . _ _i . -i i • . 

j-\j tUeiii, tuiu. evex leauy to proiect, 

Defend their rights, uplift the fallen ones, 
And bring them back upon their duty's path ; 
Assist them in their struggles, needs. Ah, friends : 
If we oppress the poor, despise the hand 
That works, or soon or late, th' avenging God 
Will bring us down, perhaps, below themselves, 
Beneath their yoke. My Lords of Berne, beware ! 
The world is going onward, leveling more 
And more the difference of caste, and throws 
Aside, like garments torn and old, the whims 



116 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

And prejudice of former times, and men 
Of innate worth alone will rise and stand, 
Direct events and issues great, and, though 
From lowly source they may have come, they will 
By toil arrive to stations, where they shall 
Eclipse the nobleman by birth, and lift 
Their heads, with majesty, as noblemen 
Of nature. 

(Rudolph the page appears and beckons to Julia, who goes towards 
the door, and disappears behind the scene.) 

Julia. (Outside.) Holy Virgin! God be praised! 
My own beloved brother! 

(Enter Edward with Julia in his arms,follcnved by Aloys.) 

HJdward. (Bushes towards his father, and sinks on his 
knees before him.) 

Father, here 
I am ! 

Adrian. My son ! 

(Sinks backward on his chair into a swoon.) 

Julia. ( Throwing her arms around him.) 

Oh ! God in heaven ! he 
Is dying. 

Von Hallwyl. No ! he breathes, though heavily. 
It was imprudent, thus to take him by 
Surprise. He was excited much before 
You came. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 117 

Aloys. We did not know that he was ill. 

Von Scharnachthal. ( To- von Stein and von Erlach.) 
My Lords, we better go ! 

Adrian. ( Opening his eyes.) Am I awake ? 
Is this my son ? Are you my children here ? 

Julia. Your own, yOur Edward, Julia, all you love. 

Aloys. (Approaching and seizing his hand.) And here 
your friend from Unterwalden. 

Adrian. God • 

Forgive my weakness and ingratitude I 
I am unworthy of Thy blessings all. 
My children, you, my friends, around me here — 

(He seizes the hand of Julia and that of Aloys, and joins them 
before him.) 

Receive, my son, this hand ! "lis all I have 
To give you ; she's my richest treasure. 

Aloys. (Sinking on his knees, overpowered by emotion.) 

Thanks, 
My Lord ! I cannot tell, express in words 
My gratitude. 

Adrian. May God forever bless 
You both ! I die contented, happy now. 

Julia. Oh, father ! 

Adrian. Children, friends, farewell ! My time 
Hath come. Farewell to Berne, beloved Berne, 
My native land ! My friends, hold fast and cling 
Forever to the League ! Almighty God : 



1T8 NICHOLAS OF THE FL0E. 

Preserve in one an ever — lasting bond — 

My Fatherland ! 



[Dies.] 



(The orchestra plays a Requiem.) 



SCENE III. 



The forest of Ranft. Nicholas of the Flue is kneeling before 
the Cross. Midnight. 

Nicholas. " Oh Lord, my God, vouchsafe 

I' To take myself away from me, and let 
" Me be Thy own entire ! Oh, Lord, my God : 
" In grace bestow on me, whatever may 
" Me nearer bring to Thee ! ! God, my Lord, 
" Take all away from me that might withdraw 
" My heart from Thee !" 

(Enter Henry Im Gruhd, the pastor of Stanz.) 

Henry. (Aside.) He is at pray'r. I dare 

Not now disturb him, yet delay is loss, 
Perhaps, to all the land. 

(Nicholas arises, and slowly turns towards the hermitage.) 

Good evening, 
Or rather, morning I should say. 'Tis past 
Midnight, my pious Brother. 

Nicholas. "Who is here, 

In night so dark, some wander'r lonely — lost? 

Henry. 'Tis I, your friend Im Grund. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 119 

Nicholas. I ought to know 

Your voice, my rev'rend Father, well. 

Henry. I come 

In greatest haste to see you. 

Nicholas. "What mishap 

Hath taken place ? 

Henry. ( With emotion, and tears in his eyes.) 
Alas ! I hardly know, 
How to express my anguish, grief, in words. 
"What Austria and Burgundy in vain 
Have tried to do, the Swiss have done themselves. 
Their League — it is dissolved ! 

Nicholas. Dissolved? The !League 

Committed suicide ? But when ? 

Henry. To-day. 

The Diet, which you have advised yourself 
To meet at Stanz, hath held a last, a wild 
And stormy session there. The deputies 
In rage accused and cursed each other, till, 
At last, they left the council hall at night, 
Determined to depart to-morrow, thence 
No more to meet again. In vain Soleure 
And Friburgh did beseech them all, to saves 
The League, to cease contentions on their claims 
To be admitted as Confederates. 
They would withdraw. The grudge of old between 
The Cantons Sehwytz and Zurich burst, alike 



120 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

A blazing flame, from hidden caves, where hate 
And secret rancor still were burning kept, 
And unsubdued by years of peace. The men 
Of Schwytz, with furious clamor, brought again 
The former cause of quarrel up, recalled 
St. Jacob's field, 2 whilst Zurich would reply — 
Vociferate but " Greifensee !" 3 

Nicholas. It was 

An awful deed, that bloody butchery 
At Greifensee, of civil feuds a fell 
Remembrance, aptest to inflame the men 
Of Zurich. 

Henry. Thus they parted. Yainly Zug 
And Glaris tried to interfere, and bring 
To calm the furious elements — and speak 
About the glorious past, the victories 
By arms united, won. The raging storm 
Of passion seemed to have effaced from hearts 
And minds, and swept from memory, the deeds 
Of Granson, Morat, Nancy, 4 where they all 
Had fought against the common foe. 

Oh, friend ! 
The Fatherland is sinking 1 Here I am 
Impelled by grief, despair, to beg, beseech 
You — come, and help to save the country ! All 
What you can do with God and men, oh, try 
To do avert the downfall of the land ! 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 121 

Nicholas. Becalm yourself, my rev'rend Father, — 

go, 

Return to Stanz, endeavor to retain 
The deputies, and tell them, Brother Claus, 
Before the Diet, yet does humbly wish 
To say a word ! 

Henry. If there is left a hope 

To save the land — it is with you. 

Nicholas. Forgive ! 

I am a man, a mortal mere, and God 
Alone can move the hearts, by selfishness 
Misled, to yield to charity ; but trust 
In Him ! 

Henri/. I ought to trust ; I am a pries* 
By office bound, to give example to 
The flock to whom I preach the Word of God. 
And yet, how often will discouragement 
And melancholy doubt possess my mind, 
When thinking of Mie ways and deeds of men ' 
How little yet their nature hath been brought 
Beneath the gentle rule of love, as taught 
By Christ ! I feel perplexed, and often lost 
Within that darksome labyrinth — the soul 
Of man. What mystery is there contained ! 
The flower from the ground comes forth, exhales 
Her sweet perfume towards the sky and — fades ; 
The bird breaks through his shell, and with 
Astonishment beholds the world so grand, 
11 



122 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

So beautiful around him, sings, in notes 
Melodious, a hymn of gratitude 
To his Creator — dies, and Mother Earth 
Will press them both unto her loving heart 
And whisper: Well, my children, you have done, 
Fulfilled your mission, now return to dust, 
From whence you came, and rest forevermore ! 
But man — Humanity ? What dark and strange 
Enigma to the thinking mind her life 
Presents — enigma which, in vain have tried 
To solve, the sages of the world ! 

Nicholas. My friend, 

'Tis. solved — there in the Cross, the sign of Love, 
Of universal Brotherhood. Through years, 
By thousands still to come, through mists of doubt, 
Of error, superstition, unbelief, 
Through seas of blood and purifying fire, 
Humanity will have to pass, to reach 
At last her destiny in yonder si^n — 
The Cross. She will awake one glorious morn 
And hail her Sabbath day of rest in peace 
And love. 

SCENE IV. 

The council hall of the Diet of Stanz, in Unterwalden. Seats for 
the delegates on both sides in the foreground. An elevated desk, 
with an arm-chair behind it, in the centre. A railing separates the 
epace, occupied by the delegates, from the background, where out- 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 123 

siders are standing, Caspar von Hertenstein, delegate of Lucerne ; 
Jacob Bugniet, of Friburgh ; Hanns von Staal, chancellor of So- 
leure ; Hanns Tschudi, delegate of Glaris, are seen conversing together 
in the foreground. 

Bugniet. The Diet is to meet again 
To-day. From what I saw, last evening, 
It is to end in naught but broil. We may 
As well depart. There is no more for us 
To do or hope, for Friburgh and Soleure. 

Von Staal. Let us await the issue, friends ! you 

know, 
At all events, we have not much to lose. 
For if the Switzers' League should perish, we, 
The cities, can in covenant unite. 

Von Hertenstein. "We must, indeed, protect our^ 

selves against 
This fiery peasant element, that will 
Forever take the lead in questions all, 
Dictate, with boorish arrogance, to us, 
What must be done. It can no more be borne* 
The city of Lucerne hath been the first 
To enter, with the Forest Lands, into 
A league for mutual defence, but now 
Since black ingratitude is all she reaps 
From them, since men are found within their midst, 
Who highly stood in office once, that will 
In secret schemes contrive to spread revolt 
Amongst our own dependents, in the land 



124 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE\ 

Of Entlibuch, Lucerne will be the first 
To leave the League. 5 

Tsohudi. I hope, my Lord, you will 

"With patience wait another day, before 
You take this step so fatal to us all. 

(Enter Petekmann von Stein, and William von Diessbach, dele- 
gates of Berne.) 

Von Diessbach. Good day, my Lords ! What now 
we meet again 
Convoked by whom — a priest ? 

Von Staal. The world-renowned 

Most pious Brother Claus hath sent, last night, 
By him the word to us to wait. 

Von Diessbach. To wait 

For what ? 

Von Staal. He hath expressed the earnest wish 
To speak to us, before we part, perhaps 
Forever. 

Von Diessbach. Does he think he can succeed 
With them, to reason bring the obstinate, 
Uncourteous churls that have insulted us 
And all the cities, now for years ? 

(Enter Hanns Waldmann, delegate of Zurich.) 

You, too, 
Have come ? I thought that you had left the town 
Last evening, ere the mob of boors incensed, 
With threat'ning yells surrounded us, and we 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 125 

Could hardly cross the street and gain, behind 
Our bolted doors, a refuge safe. 

Waldmann. I heard 

Of that disgraceful scene, but was myself 
Not present ; here I did remain until 
The priest of Stanz, with whom I had to speak, 
Had left me in the dark. But what ? We are 
Alone, the cities' delegates, and not 
A single Forest Lander here ? Will they, 
Perhaps, refuse to come? Methinks, it is 
Of little import now. It is too late. 
The abyss hath become too great between 
The cities and the Forest Lands, but we 
At least, my Lords, of Zurich, Berne, Lucerne, 
And Friburgh and Soleure, united may 
Remain, forget the feuds of old amongst 
Ourselves, the feuds in which we mostly were 
Involved by them, who now insult us. 

(i?n£er HannsZumbeunnen, delegate of Uri; Dieteioh Indeehalden, 
Raetzi, Landammann of Schwytz ; Heney Zelgee, of Unter- 
walden; Hanks Iten, of Zug. Among the spectators in the 
background are seen Aloys, Aenold and Heney Im Geund, 

JOHN VON HaLI/WYL, EdWAED VON BUBENBEEG, HANNS IMC 

Hop, of Uri, Hagen, of Soleure.) 

Here 

They come. They look like angry dogs. Let us 

Remain as calm, composed as we can be ! 
11* 



126 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

(The delegates from the cities bow, with cold and haughty mien, to 
those of the Forest Lands, who seem to take no notice whatever 
of their manner, and abruptly turn to the left side of the hall, 
where they seat themselves, grouping together.) 

Inderhalden. You see, what prospect here we have, 
The proud, 
The sneering airs, with which we are received 
"What is the use to come, renew the scenes 
Of yesterday ? 

Harms Iten. The hermit hath not yet 
Arrived. 

Zumbrunnen. I hope, that when he comes, he will 
Reprove them well for haughty arrogance. 
'Tis not in hope, that they will yield, we come ; 
'Tis but to see their own confusion. 

Raetzi. Here 

We are, the founders of the League ; we have 
Received Lucerne, and Zurich, Berne within 
Our midst. Their wealth, prosperity, would have 
Been brought to naught ere this. "We all have bled 
For them, and now what thanks do we receive ? 

Inderhalden. Is it a wonder ? What can we expect 
From Zurich's traffic-ridden people, who, 
For gold or profit, readily will sell 
Themselves, their souls unto the evil one? 
As long as they could find advantage in 
The League, as long as there a penny was 
To gain ; as long as they could use our arms 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 127 

To help them in their feuds, we then were called 
Confederates, beloved, dear. 

Zumbrunnen. I am 

Not much surprised at Zurich's conduct, grudge 
And rancor; treach'rous to the League before, 
But forty years ago, and whipped into 
Allegiance then, she never will forget 
Her own humiliation ; but that Berne, 
Ungrateful Berne ! should thus degrade herself 
And leave her faithful friends, the Forest Lands, 
That have assisted her in need, distress, 
So often ; Berne, whom we have saved, that she 
Should thus affront Us,- and refuse to grant 
The shares of spoil we are entitled to— 
'Tis past my comprehension. 

Inderhalden. Fools that we' 

Have been ! The Lords of Berne look with contempt 
On us. They think, we have no right to things 
That once belonged to princes, nobles like 
Themselves. The cities, they intend to keep,- 
Withhold from us the booty, rather to 
Dissolve the League, than to give up the part 
We claim. 

Hanns Tschudi. ( (Joining into the middle of the scene.) 
My Lords and delegates : would it 
Not suit your worships, since we are again 
Assembled here, to take our wonted seats ? 
And whilst we wait, at least, let us observe 



128 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUB. 

The Diet's customary forms, for sake 
Of self-respect ! 

Von Hertenstein. "What further need of forme ? 
The spirit is departed, gone ! 

Waldmann. The League 

Hath proved to he a failure in the end. 

Von Stein. And all the common struggles, toil for 
her, 
Have been for naught. Our fathers, we ourselves, 
Have hied in vain ! 

Zelger. And please, my Lords, to tell 

Whose fault it is ? 

Zambruimen. Who first hath set aside 
The covenant that once was formed, by all 
Of you consented to, and now is spurned, 
And violated, spat upon, by you, 
The cities ? 

Inderhalden. Who refused to us, your own 
Companions in arms, the lawful share 
Of booty taken from the foe, and who 
Hath treated us, with arbitrary hands, 
As if we were your subjects mere, and not 
Your equals? 

Von Diessbaeh. Equals ? you to us ! 

Inderhalden. I knew, 

The Lord of Berne would show the cloven foot 
At last. 



Nicholas of the' fli?e. 129 

Zumbrunnen. Your equals, no ! superiors — 
To you we are. ¥'ve whipped your betters. 

Waldmann. Where ? 

At Greifensee ? 

Inderkalden. At Greifensee ! so let 

It be ! There traitors and their allies once - 
Received what they deserved. 

Waldmann. [Grasping the hilt of his sword.) 

Who dares to call- 
TJs traitors here? 

Inderhalden. {Drawing his sword.) 

I dare, you demagogue, 
You sneaking dog ! 

Waldmann. This calls for blood, revenge! 

[Immense sensation amongst the delegates. Von Diessbach, von 
Stein, Zumbrunnen, and Zelge'R throw themselves between 
Waldmann and Inderhalden, who, brandishing their swords 
endeavor to meet. 
Enters Nicholas of the Flue. All the delegates uncover their 
heads and make way before him. Waldmann and Inder- 
halden put up their swords, and remain standing each at one 
extremity of the scene.) 

Nicholas. (After a long 'pause, during which he looks 
around with calm but melancholy dignity, scan- 
ning the countenance of each delegate.) 

And hath it come to this ? Must brothers draw 

The sword against each other ? 

{All the delegates bend their eyes upon the ground.) 



130 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

" Good my Lords, 
" Confederates, beloved, faithful : here 
" I come, an old and feeble man. I have 
" Been called from solitude by one who is 
" To me an excellent Father, friend, that I 
" Might speak to you about the Fatherland. 
"' I have nor art, nor science. I am a man 
" Unlearned. But what I have, I will impart 
" To you from God, who saved your fathers oft, 
" In times when great distress was threatening 
" The land, and who, on days of battle, gave 
" You victory. 

" Confederates : why have 
" Yon gone to war? Because it could not be 
" Avoided. Say, by what have you obtained 
'■ Yonr victories ? By strength alone of arms 
" United. Now you will dissolve your League, 
" On spoils' account? Confederates, I pray, 
" Allow no such report to go abroad from you ! 
" I faithfully advise, I earnestly beseech 
" You, from the cities, to dissolve the pacts 
" Offensive to your old confederates. 
*' And you, from Forest Lands, I do entreat : 
" Remember how Solenre and Friburgh fought 
" For you ! Receive them in your League ! 
" Misunderstandings may 'midst brothers oft 
" Arise. "When these occur, remain to old 
" And equitable custom true! Be just 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 131 

"To all contending parties .! Conquered lands 
" In war — let them be shared amongst yourselves, 
" According to the Canton's size, extent; 
" And booty, in proportion to the men 
" Each Canton sent into the field! 

" Do not 
" Extend too far the hedge that now surrounds 
" You ! Shun to interfere with foreign brawls! 
" Be neighbors courteous, kind, and peaceable ! 
il But whosoever should attempt to crush — 
" Oppress you, then let him find — men! And be 
" It far from you, that any one should take, 
" Accept, in gold, reward for service to 
" The Fatherland ! Beware of factions, strifes 
-" Amongst yourselves ! They would destroy you all. 
" Confederates, oh brothers ! Love ye one 
" Another ! 

" May Almighty God, in grace, 
" Be bountiful to you, as He hath been 
"It heretofore!'' 6 

(Nicholas stands with eyes and hands uplifted to Heaven. The dele- 
gates look with emotion, first at him, then at each other. At last, 
in one spontaneous burst of feeling, they rush into each other' ' s 
arms, with tears in their eyes.) 

Hanns Waldmann. [Extending his hand to Inderhal- 

den.) Forgive ! 
Inderhalden, Forget! 
Nicholas. And now, 



132 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

Be brothers as before ; be one, be one, 
Be one forevermore ! 

SCENE V. 

The forest of Ranft. Bells are ringing in the distance, in all direc- 
tions. Now and then, the sounds of Alpine horns are heard. The 
hermitage of Nicholas of the Flue is adorned with garlands of 
evergreens. Julia and Maey are sitting on the trunk of a tree in 
the foreground. Lilt is occupied in twining a wreath of flowers at 
the foot of the Cross. 

(Lilt sings .) 

"Peace in the solitude, 

Peace dwelleth here ; 
Breezes are whispering 

Peace to my ear. 
-Gentle and beautiful 

Voices I hear ; 
Voices of angels sing, 

Lingering near : 
Peace in eternity, 
Peace dwelleth herel 
Julia. How sweetly sings 

The child ! How happy there she looks amidst 
Her lovely flower sisters ! 

Mary. Happy, now, 

Indeed, we all should feel. Was ever there 
A day more glorious in the land? You hear — 
The bells are ringing all, in village, town, 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 133 

And hamlet, from the vales of Rhaetia to 
The distant chains of Jura, and to-night 
The fires of joy, from mount to mount, they will 
Be seen, throughout the whole of Switzerland. 

Julia. [Embracing Mary.) My darling sister, God 
be praised ! I think 
No greater victory the Swiss have won 
Than that we celebrate to-day. Themselves 
They've conquered ; within their hearts, their own 
Resentment crushed. 

Mary. How wonderful ! And all 

Is due to him, whose quiet, lone retreat 
"We have adorned, in gratitude ; whose name 
From hence the Swiss will ever bless, exalt — 

Julia. — Imprint in characters indelible 
Into their children's hearts the name so sweet, 
Melodious, of ISTich'las of the Flue. 

Mary. I feel so happy, too, that one like you, 
My Lady — 

Julia. Lady — why not sister now ? 
Your sister ? Are you not my brother's own 
Betrothed ? 

Mary. I hardly dare to dream, as yet, 
It can be true that he should love and choose 
A simple peasant girl. 

Julia. Why not ? You are 

The very one adapted to himself, 
To make him happy. Modest, gentle child : 
12 



134 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

Your quiet ways have won his heart. I know 
My brother. All he needs is one like you. 
To tame his reckless mind. His heart is true ! 

Mary. I know it well. 

Julia. I should be satisfied, 

If all could be so easily arranged 
In my affections, as in yours. Although 
My most lamented father did express 
His wish, that I should have my choice, and on 
His dying bed he placed my lover's hand 
In mine, and blessed us both, my relatives 
And guardians now object ; and though they all 
Respect the manly worth of him I love, 
They say he hath no home. His real name 
Is still a mystery. My noble friend 
Von Hallwyl, and myself, have come to ask 
The Brother Claus to tell what he alone 
Does know about his birth and parentage. 

Mary. I hope you will succeed ; but none, as yet, 
Could ever be enlighten'd on this point. 
The Brother Claus will give no answer, when 
He's questioned on this subject. 

Julia. Strange it is 

That one so noble, highly gifted by 
The bounteous hand of nature, should remain 
In ignorance about his origin. 

{Voices singing in the distance behind the scene:) 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 135 

Is there on earth a happier life 
Than that of Switzer herdsmen free ? 
On sunny Alps, away from strife 
Of cities' throng, they sing the glee : 
When the morning is dawning, 
To the mountain they go ; 
And the cow-bells are ringing, 
And the little lambs springing, 
And the merry boys singing : 
To the mountain, to the mountain, to the mountain we got 
Diuli-a, iulia, iuli-a-ho ! 

{Bhter Nicholas of the Flue, Henry Im Grtjnd, John von Hall- 
wyl, and Arnold Im Grund. Lilt arises and takes the hand of 
Nicholas. ) 

Lily. Good evening, Brother Clans ! Yon see 
what here 
I made for yon ? 

Nicholas. "lis beantifhl, my child ; 

Bnt as you twined this wreath beneath the Cross, 
I think 'tis best adapted to adorn 
The Cross. 

Von Hallwyl. [Aside to Julia.) Be cheerful, friend C 
The Brother Clans 
Will speak, he says, in proper time, and soon, 
On what concerns yon most. 

(Aloys, Eeward, and a crowd of herdsmen, peasants, men and wo- 
men, appear on the top of the hill, behind the hermitage.) 

The crowd. All hail ! all hail ! 

To Brother Claus, the saviour of the land ! 



136 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

( The crowd divides and makes way to the delegates of the Diet of 
Stanz. Each of the latter is preceded by a banneret, bearing the 
colors of his respective Canton. 

The crowd. All hail to Brother Claus, the saviour of 
The League ! 

{Music. Ringing of bells. Variations on the Alpine horn in the 
distance.) 

Waldmann. (Stepping forward.) Most pious Brother 

Nicholas : 
"We come to thank you faithfully for all 
The care, and labor, and fidelity 
"With which you have brought blessings on us all. 
May God reward you in eternity ! 

Inderhalden. From civil war you have preserved 
the land ; 
For God hath given grace unto your words. 

Nicholas. To Him alone belongs the glory, not 
To me. Prostrate yourselves before His throne, 
And, with humility, as children meek, 
Confide in Him ; and He will bless you all ! 
But now, my friends, a duty yet remains 
For me to be performed ; and since a crowd 
Of witnesses is present here, I may 
Not choose a better moment. 

(He beckons to Aloys to come forward. The latter advances, with 
an expression of anxious expectation. Julia, Maey, Lily, John 
von Hallwyl, Heney and Aenold Im Geund, and Edwaed, form 
a semicircle around him.) 



NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 137 

All of you 
"Who are assembled here, you know this youth. 
Thus far he hath been looked upon as one, 
By fell misfortune cast into the world, 
To be of charity an object mere. 
And yet by innate worth he raised himself 
To highest fame, amongst his countrymen. 
You've seen him here a modest herdsman, like 
The humblest of yourselves. You've seen him, then 
On battle-fields, amongst the first of all 
The heroes stand; you know that he refused 
The honored title knighthood gives. What need 
Had he of title — nobleman by birth ? 

Arnold. What, nobleman, you say ? Is he of noble 
blood? 

Nicholas. Of noble blood ? the noblest of the land £ 
In Switzerland, no nobler name than his 
Is found, revered by all. 

Julia. Oh, speak, explain ! 

Nicholas. Forbear in patience ! So that all of you 
May understand the reasons, why this youth 
Himself was kept in ignorance so long 
About his birth, I must declare, that I 
Was bound, by solemn promise, given to 
His father, on his dying bed. The youth 
Was then a babe. His birth had cost a life — 
His mother's. Once in deepest night, his sire, 
The grandson of a hero, known by all 
12* 



138 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

* 

At home and far abroad, had sent for me. 

He begged me to accept in charge the child, 

To bring him up amongst the herdsmen of 

The land, to keep in secret all about 

His noble birth, descent ; that he might learn 

To love, respect the simple customs which 

Have here, within these vales, preserved a home 

For Freedom and Equality. He asked 

That he should well be taught in Christian lore, 

Religion's essence : love of fellow-men, 

And love of country — safest guarantees 

Of states and commonwealths to have, within 

Their midst, the source that keeps, refreshes life 

Amongst a nation's citizens. And when 

To manhood grown, the child should have displayed, 

By virtuous actions, worthiness to bear 

A noble name, that then alone I should 

Inform him of his glorious ancestry. 

The time hath come. The youth hath well deserved 
Of honors all and 

(Looking with a smile on Julia.) 

happiness in store 
For him. This package, sealed, was left unto 
My care. His father's will is here contained. 
It leaves, bequeathes to him the whole estate, 
His ancestors have held for centuries. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 139 

Von Hallwyl. But say ! what is his name ? 

Nicholas. ( Taking Aloys by the hand.) His name ? 
Come forth, 
And all of you may stand aside, for here 
Behold, revere the great-grandson of him, 
Who fell at Sempach : Arnold Struthan, knight 

Of "WlNKELRIED ! 

Julia. {Falling on her knees.) Of Winkelried ! 

{Profound sensation amongst the crowd.) 

Nicholas. And now, 

Let me repeat to you the words with which 
His ancestor took leave of yours', and fell : 
" Confederates ! remember ye my blood !" 

Henry Im Grund. Almighty God, be praised 

FOREVERMORE ! 

(The Angelus rings for the evening. All prostrate themselves. Whilst 
a single voice sings the " Ave Maria, geatia plena !" in the 
distance, the glow of a large bonfire illuminates the scene. The 
curtain slowly descends.) 



END OF ACT V. 



NOTES. 



ACT I 

1. Page 10. " Gelobt sey Jesus Ohristus!" — Answer: " In Uwigkeit, 
Amen/" This form of pious salutation is still in use in Catholic 
Germany and the Catholic Cantons of Switzerland, where the Ger- 
man language is spoken. 

2 and 3. Page 12. In 1298, the Bernese, under the command of 
Ulric von Erlach, defeated an army of nobles hostile to their com- 
monwealth at Donnerbuehl, near the gates of the city of Berne. In 
1330, Rudolph von Erlach, the son of the former, at the head of 
5,500 Bernese, and their allies from the Forest Cantons, obtained a 
victory over an army of nearly 20,000, in the battle of Laupen. 



ACT II. 

1. Page 44. " A model State, by wisdom, justice ruled." John von 
Muller, in his history of the Swiss Confederacy, pays the following 
tribute to the old aristocratic government of Berne : 

" In the whole extent of the history of mankind, it will not be 
easy to find a commonwealth which, for so long a period, was admin- 

141 



142 NICHOLAS OF THE FLUE. 

istered with more wisdom and integrity, on the whole, and would 
have better deserved to last forever, than that of Berne." (Vol. I, 
page 460, note 117.) 

2. Page 53. The reader will recollect that in 1476, all the Swiss 
Cantons were still Catholic. 



ACT III. 

1. Page 59. " Magnijiques Seigneurs de Berne" was the title by 
which the members of the aristocratic government of that Canton 
were addressed. 

2. Page 62. See John von Miillers Geschichte der Schweizerischen 
Eidgenossenschaft, vol. V, page 50. 

3. Page 74. " The Cross of Schwytz," &c. 

4. Page 74. " The key of Unterwalden," &c. — A small, white cross, 
in the right corner of a red field, is seen in the armorial escutcheon 
of Schwytz, whilst that of Unterwalden has a white key in a red 
field. 

5. Page 75. " Naefels saw victorious, 

Fridolin, thy sainted patron," &c. 
The battle of Naefels, in the Canton of Glaris, was fought on April 
9, 1388, two years after that of Sempach. Six thousand Austrians 
were completely routed by 530 Swiss. St. Fridolin, the patron 
Saint of the Glarners, appears on their escutcheon. 



ACT IV. 
1. Page 82. Von Midler's Geschichte, &c, vol. V, page 52. 



NICHOLAS OF THE FLUB. 143 

2. Page 96. Ibid, page 69. 

3. Pages 97-8. — Translation : 

" From the depths, oh Lord, this day we all come crying unto 
Thee, King, Creator of all angels and men, hear us praying ! Do 
not despise our voices, holy, everlasting God, Judge of nations ! In 
such great danger, oh Lord, grant unto our people, through the 
strength of prayers and through Thy grace, victory and lasting 
peace ! May the glory of Thy kingdom and mercy last ; may Thy 
name be holy for all ages to come ! Amen ! 



ACT V. 

1. Page 109. " The felon's doom awaits his last remains, his ashes." 
The bodies of insolvent debtors were doomed to be buried near a 
place, where dead animals were interred. 

2. Page 120. " St, Jacob' s field." — This memorable battle was fought 
near the city of Basil, in 1444, during the wars of the Swiss against 
the city of Zurich, which had seceded from the League, and was 
assisted by the Emperor of Germany and the King of France in her 
struggles against her old confederates Fifteen hundred Swiss 
attacked an army of 30,000 Armagnacs, who, headed by the Dau- 
phin, afterwards Louis XI, king of France, had come to the relief of 
Zurich. The brave band of the Swiss was overpowered and almost 
entirely annihilated, not, however, until their enemy had 8,000 
killed, and lost 1,500 horses. 

3. Page 120. " Greifensee." — During the civil war, alluded to 
above, the castle of Greifensee, defended by a detachment of depend- 
ents of Zurich, was taken by the Swiss Confederates. Sixty of the 
garrison were executed in one day, by order of Itel Reding, the 
commander of the troops of Schwytz. 



144 NICHOLAS OP THE FLUE. 

4. Page 120. It was in the battle near Nancy that Charles the 
Bold lost his life. About 8,000 Swiss had come to assist Bene, Duke 
of Lorraine, in recovering his realm. 

5. Allusion is made here to Peter am Stalden of Entlibuch, who 
was concerned in a conspiracy against the government of Lucerne. 
Some of the prominent men of Unterwalden were said to be impli- 
cated in tbe plot, for which Am Stalden was executed. 

6. Page 181. See Von Muller's Geschichte, &c, vol. V, page 253. 
The whole address is taken from the old chronicles. 



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